




































2nd COPY, 
1898 . 


DEWIVLitEO 


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DEC 14 1898 


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap.^...T Copyright No^ 
ShelfJ 


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW 



KATV DID AND KATV DIDN T. 


(See pa^c 121.) 


STORIES TRUE AND 
FANCIES NEW 


BY 


MARY WHITNEY MORRISON 

II 

(JENNY WALLIS) 

EDITOR OF “SONGS AND RHYMES 
FOR THE LITTLE ONES.” 


JllustratcU bg 

L. J. BRIDGMAN 



BOSTON 

DANA ESTES & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 




Copyright., i8g8 
By Mary W. Morrison 



Colimtal Press 

Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co. 
Boston, U.S. A. 


}5) JL«— S' <• 


THIS BOOK 

IS DEDICATED TO THE 

MEMORY OF THAT LARGE-HEARTED LOVER OF 
CHILDREN TO WHOM I OWE SO MUCH 

IRw. fHarg '3. Moxxmn 

MY DEAR MOTHER-IN-LOVE 





CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

Hey, Diddle, Diddle! Ilhistrated 15 

The New Teacher .17 

Charlie and Thistle 18 

Bumble-shooting 19 

Katy Did 20 

The New Bicycle. Illustrated 21 

Fire-flies 21 

Careless Nora 22 

FIDO’s Fidelity 23 

Cats and Rats. Illustrated 25 

Georgie Feeds the Swans 26 

Susie’s Misfortune 27 

The Echoed Song 27 

The Rabbit and the Carrot. Illustrated .... 28 

Pop Corn 29 

An Autumn Frolic 30 

Let Those Laugh Who Win. Illustrated 31 

Penny Pop Show 33 

Sing a Song of Victory 33 

Rockaway Butterflies. Illustrated 34 

Little Wheat-ear . 34 

With Thanks 35 

Jack and Jill Horner 35 

How THE Kitten’s Life Was Saved 36 

Who Is Duncan Dell? 39 

Pussy’s Luncheon. Illustrated 41 

Little Bo-peep . . . . . . . . . . 41 

The Lament of the Paper Frog 42 

Four and Twenty Froggies. Illustrated 44 

A Strange Protector 45 

The Battle of the Robins 46 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 


Our Harry. Illustrated 





48 

A Dog with a Conscience . 





50 

The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe 





53 

Tweedle-dum, Tweedle-dee 





54 

Amy Tatchin’ Wobins, Illustrated 





55 

Johnny’s Letters 





56 

Lucie and the Squirrels . 





57 

Poor Joe ! 





57 

The Man in the Sun. Illustrated 





59 

Robin Is on the Lawn 





59 

Sitting Bull 





61 

Jack and Jenny Wren 





61 

The Latest Incubator. Illustrated .. 





64 

My Speech 





67 

A Wise Suggestion. Illustrated . 





68 

The House Where Jack Lived . 





69 

Why that Cycle Wouldn’t Go 





70 

God Made the Toads and Snakes . 





71 

Three Poor Little Mice. Illustrated 





72 

Our Golden Robin .... 





73 

Charlie’s Target. Illustrated 





75 

The Cats’ Country-seat 





79 

Beth Wants a Modern Cow 





82 

Little Bohea. Ilhistrated . 





84 

Georgie’s Sparrows .... 





85 

Jack and the Beanstalk. Illustrated 





87 

Our Pony 





93 

The Stingy Old Woman. Illustrated 





94 

My Wrens. Illustrated 





96 

A Funny Pet. Illustrated . 





100 

Fur and Feathers .... 





103 

The True Story of Mary and Her Lamb. 

Illustrated 


106 

Old Speckle’s Step-ladder 





114 

Anecdotes of Toads .... 





115 

Katy Did, Katy Didn’t. Illustrated 





121 

Why the Name Was Chosen 





123 

With a Bisque Frog .... 





124 

The Jew’s-harp Serenade . 





1 26 

Barberries. Illustrated 





127 

Why Old Towser Died 





128 

Harry’s Question. Illustrated . 





130 

Mustard and Custard 





133 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 


The Right Shoe 



. 

134 

The Golden Rule 




135 

How Dick Found the Cat. Illustrated . 




137 

Our Robin. Illustrated .... 




142 

The Cat’s Dream of Paradise. Illustrated 




148 

Fanny’s True Story 




153 

The Autumn Leaf 




154 

Jack and Jill. Illustrated .... 




157 

Polly Eats Raw Onions .... 




158 

The Magic Wheel 




161 

The Adopted Squirrel. Illustrated . 




164 

Our Cherry-tree 




174 

Old Ned. Illustrated . . . 




177 

How We Went Tobogganing 




181 

Ambitious Brownie 




185 

The Champion Jumper. Illustrated . 




187 

Jack Highspy’s Adventures 




189 

The Champion Jumper as a Teacher. Illustrated . 



201 

Sleep, Baby, Sleep 




207 

Last Words 




208 



t*;. iff • • 





LIST OF FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE 

Katy did and Katy didn’t Frontispiece 

The Latest Incubator 67 

Charlie’s Target 77 

Jack and the Beanstalk 89 

My Wrens 97 

Mary’s Birthplace 107 

Harry’s Question 131 

How Dick Found the Cat 139 

The Cat’s Dream of Paradise 149 

Jack and Jill 159 

The Adopted Squirrel 169 




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PREFATORY NOTE. 


The author is deeply indebted to Harper & Brothers 
and Perry Mason & Co., for their kindness and courtesy 
in allowing her to reproduce in this book many of her 
illustrated verses that appeared originally in their publi- 
cations. The author is also indebted to the National 
Magazine for many items of interest in regard to “ Mary 
and Her Little Lamb,” and for the illustrations for 
that story. 


INTRODUCTION. 


J^EAR little pets with gladsome eyes, 
Of whatsoever hue ; 

And sad-eyed children, wan and pale. 
These rhymes were made for you. 

True stories of the robins, , 

Of squirrels, cats, and dogs ; 

And little toads that first appeared 
As baby polliwogs. 

And here Jack Highspy soars aloft. 

And Pussy has a dream ; 

Then dimples play, and sweet lips say: 

“ Things are not what they seem.” 

While earth is full of beauty. 

And blue the sky above, 

With fact I’ll weave sweet fancy. 

For dear ones that I love. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 



X 


diddle* 


I "HE man in the moon 
Rubbed open his eyes, 
And gazed about 
With great surprise. 


STOJ^/£S TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


Pray, what do you think was the matter ? 
Why, fathoms below. 

On the beautiful snow. 

The spoon ran away with the platter. 

Then music he heard. 

So tender and sweet 
The lovely performer 
He was eager to meet. 

The words of her song were, “ Hey, diddle, 
diddle ! " 

He saw a fine sight. 

For, standing upright. 

The cat sang this song to the fiddle. 

Then over his head 
Came flying a cow ; 

He took off his hat 
And made her a bow. 

But not for a moment could poor mooley 
stay. 

But jumped to the earth. 

Where all knew her worth. 

And rested well after her play. 

Now all these queer doings 
Saw the dog and the owl. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


17 


The owl he kept quiet ; 

The dog gave a howl, 

Then throwing his head back he bow- 
wowed and laughed, 

For never before, 

He felt very sure. 

Did any dog see such witchcraft. 


THE NEW TEACHER. 

without, a blizzard raging, 
In a town not far from this ; 
Safe the kindergarten children. 

Fresh from mothers’ morning kiss. 

Far above the raging tempest. 

With its sleet and dashing rain. 
Comes a bitter cry, discordant. 

Like an animal in pain. 

Gentle teacher points a moral : 

“ Listen, while I drop this pin ; 

Do you hear that cow’s wild bellow.? 
Would we share its owner’s sin .? 


i8 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


“ Should he not provide a shelter, 

From this piercing, icy blast ? ” 

Thus she speaks, in accents tender. 

While her pitying tears fall fast. 

Judge her ’mazement, when the children. 
Wreathed in merry, twinkling smiles. 
Shout : “ That’s but the fog-horn, teacher ; 
You can hear it twenty miles.” 


CHARLIE AND THISTLE. 
HARLIE strides the donkey’s back. 



And urges on dear Thistle ; 

But not a step those feet will move. 
For whip, nor spur, nor whistle. 

So auntie carries down the lane. 

Before his eyes, an apple. 

While Thistle trots with eager steps. 
Hoping the fruit to grapple. 

Now through the shrubbery she makes 
Her toilsome, devious track ; 

And Thistle follows at her heels 
With Charlie on his back. 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW, 


19 


Alas ! poor Charlie’s face and hands 
Are torn by thorns, but Thistle 

Leaves him, like Absalom, in air. 

Nor heeds his pleading whistle. 

But Charlie’s turn has come at last. 
For on a stick he ties 

The ruddy apple, which he hangs 
Before that donkey’s eyes. 

And now ’tis Thistle’s turn to plead ; 
He longs for that red apple ; 

While Charlie shakes the silken reins 
Which his fat hands now grapple. 

If Thistle takes the lesson home. 

And learns to travel faster. 

The fruit he’s sure at last to gain. 
From his dear little master. 


BUMBLE-SHOOTING. 

HERE are you going, my sweet little man } ” 



Said mamma to Charlie so dear. 
I’m going to play in the garden below; 
You’ll see me, the spot is so near.” 


20 


STO/^/BS TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


“ What will you do in the garden, my lad ? 

I see you’ve your arrow and bow.” 

“ I’m going where blooms the mignonette sweet, 
There bees are quite plenty, I know.” 

“ The bees, my dear boy, each carry a sting ; 

Beware how with danger you trifle.” 

“ Bumble-shooting, dear ma, is the game I shall play 
This bow is as sure as a rifle.” 


KATY DID. 


T^ATYdid! Katydid! Katydid 
Well, so I hear you say; 
Then tell me now what Katy did. 
Tell me this very day. 


Perhaps she tore her little frock ; 

Perchance she stole a tart ; 
Perhaps she did the aged mock. 
And tempt the bears to start. 


Or was she just the best of girls. 

And did as she was bid .? 

Ah, now I’m sure I’ve guessed aright. 
For you say, “ Katy did.” 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


21 



'^^^Keiirlie the Ka^ncfles 

'^^Arid sprinsrs a^stricfe the door, 
hick iwmsfs upon its hinses- 
As ne'er it swu nsr before . 


V/is sisters 
To see 


crowd ground Kim 
this merry trick. 
Hurrcb^KP' Ke cries, ^Tet out tK’ way! 
I'm ridingr nvy V\-bV\cV. 


FIRE-FLIES. 

how happy are we, 

Such wonders to see I 
The fire-flies are coming to town. 
Some to the right of us, 

Some to the left of us. 

Like stars in a royal crown. 


22 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


CARELESS NORA. 


“ Nora, have you been asleep ? 

Where is my blessed baby ? 

Perchance she’s crushed beneath some wheel ; 
Or in the pond it may be. 


“ Run quick ! you take the garden path, 
And I will take the other; 

My precious child ! good angels bring 
You safe to arms of mother.” 

Soon Nora’s shouts of laughter pealed 
In rapid, loud succession ; 

For in the strawberry-bed she found 
Baby in proud possession. 

Her pretty dress was streaked with red ; 
Her dimpled hands dripped gore ; 

And baby’s mouth had pressed at least 
A ruby pint or more. 

But careless Nora’s bitter tears 
Fell fast o’er baby’s frolic ; 

When all the day it screamed with pain. 
And writhed in grip of colic. 


STOJ^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


23 


FIDO’S FIDELITY. 


gOUTH of Spain, the rock Gibraltar 
Bears upon its bosom strong, 
British fortress, and a village 
Famed in history and song. 


We were ling’ring there one summer. 
Resting at the grand hotel. 

When upon the still air thundered. 
Loud and clear, the Fire Bell. 

Then from out the opp’site corner. 
Leaped a tongue of lambent flame ; 

While from out each opening doorway. 
Streams of frightened inmates came. 

Close behind them dashed a terrier. 
Bearing ’tween his pearly teeth 

Trousers of his absent master; 

Gay suspenders trailed beneath. 

These he laid in place of safety. 

Then returned for garments more ; 

Heart of love his feet impelling. 

These he added to his store. 


24 


SrOJi/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Streams of water from the engine, 

Mud from out the dirty street, 

Drenched and soiled, but could not hinder. 
This dear friend with nimble feet. 

Back and forth with bag and bundle. 

While the willing crowd gave way ; 

Still he ran till every parcel 
Safe upon the terrace lay. 

Then, exhausted on the pavement. 

Keeping guard with watchful eye. 

Lay the brave, triumphant hero. 

Pet of every passer-by. 

Not for praises, not for petting. 

Had he nobly done his part; 

But true love for his dear master 
Dwelt within his faithful heart. 


STOKIES TRUE A AD FANCJES JVEIV. 


25 



pUSSY stirred the kitchen fire, and did her food 
prepare, 

Then laid the dainty table-cloth that was so white and 
fair. 

And all the neighbours’ kittens and all the mother cats 
She welcomed to the banquet of boiled and baked 
rats. 


26 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


So twenty lovely kittens, with fur as soft as silk, 

Enjoyed this charming dinner, and washed it down with 
milk. 

And twenty of their mothers (the very best of cats) 

Said naught, in their opinion, was half so good as rats. 


GEORGIE FEEDS THE SWANS. 

HIDING o’er the placid water 
Of the lake in Central Park, 

Graceful swans with snowy plumage. 
Others black as midnight dark. 

Georgie called with many a whistle ; 

Threw his tiny bits of bread ; 

As they shyly gathered round him, 

“ They’re so hungry ! ” Georgie said. 

“ Seems to me they’re mighty ’tic’lar,” 
Soon said Georgie, with a sigh ; 

For the swans they floated by him. 

Bowing a polite good-bye. 

One, more thoughtful than his fellows. 
Said, “ Dear Georgie, bless your thumbs. 

Don’t you know that tiny fishes 
Suit us better far than crumbs ? ” 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


27 


SUSIE’S MISFORTUNE. 

jpLEASE ope the door and throw it wide, 
Susie flies down the street; 

What dreadful thing has happened now 
To speed her eager feet.? 

“ Mamma,” she cries, with streaming eyes, 

“ I’m sure you’ll pity me ; 

For I’ve been out and stung myself. 

I’ve stung myself with a bee.” 

THE ECHOED SONG. 

O AID Bridget to our little Sue, 

“ Now sing this pretty song; 

’Tis all about Susanna, dear, 

And is not very long. 

“ The words are these, my pretty pet. 
They’re easy words, you see : 

‘ Susanna, oh, Susanna, 

Oh, do not cry for me.’ ” 

’Twas thus she echoed back the song. 

The dainty little midget, 

“ Susanna, oh, Susanna, 

Peas do not ky for Bidget.” 


28 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 



T FAIN would sing, since I’ve the habit, 
About my pretty friend. Sir Rabbit ; 
He fell in love, and longed to wed 
Miss Yellow Carrot, so ’tis said. 

Beyond the fence Miss Carrot grew, 
Whose beauty his attention drew ; 

He daily thought, “Would I were able 
To reach that lovely vegetable ! ” 


STORIES TRITE AND EANCIES NEW. 


29 


He tried each space ; found all too small ; 
Beneath there was no room to crawl ; 

Then off he tore a cabbage leaf, 

And on it wrote his tender grief. 

Then through the fence he tossed the note, 
And to her feet he saw it float; 

On which she read, with great surprise. 
Words that were very far from wise. 

She thought Sir Rabbit meant to win her 
Only to make on her his dinner ; 

So said, “ Kind sir, your note I’ve seen. 

But, pardon me. I’m far from green.” 


POP CORN. 

TN the nursery, with the children. 

By the cheerful, open fire. 

Wreathed with smiles, and feet extended. 
Sits our well-belov’d grandsire. 

“ Grandpa,” pleads dear little Fanny, 

“ Please a safer corner choose. 

For your corns might pop, dear grandpa. 
Then you could not wear your shoes.” 


30 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


AN AUTUMN FROLIC. 

A PICNIC! A picnic! We’ll fly to the Park! 
Come, Johnny and Harry, we’ll have a fine lark! 
Jack Frost has been busy through all the night long; 
Hurrah for the nuts! Come, boys! come along. 

Each lad took a basket, each lassie a bag ; 

Sorry fun would there be without Lucie and Mag ; 
They raced with the leaves, they shouted with glee. 
And chased to his home a late bumble-bee. 

How they scattered the leaves, and scoured the wood ; 
How they scrambled for nuts, so brown, and so good ! 
Can you tell why so slowly the baskets they fill ? 

A box with five nails shall be yours, if you will. 

Can’t guess } Let me tell you. In each hollow tree 
Are bushels of nuts that the fairies can see ; 

For long ere the children awake from their sleep. 

The gay little squirrels to Mother Earth leap. 

They gather the nuts, and pile up their hoard ; 

For all the long winter at home they must board ; 
They have children and parents that all must be fed ; 
So they work with a will, while you are in bed. 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEIV. 


31 


LET THOSE LAUGH WHO WIN. 

gENEATH a tree with spreading 
boughs, 

On margin of a pool, 

A bloated frog croaked merrily. 

Fanned by the breezes cool. 

His vis-a-vis a grasshopper. 

Upon the other shore. 

Whose famous leaps are chronicled 
In books of childish lore. 

Now, both were hoppers of renown ; 

The one that was so thin 
Sent a swift challenge to the frog, — 

To jump, — and see who’d win. 

A twinkle shone in froggie’s eye ; 

He answered with a wink ; 

Then both shot upward in the air. 

And then — what do you think.? 

Why, froggie settled down again. 
Beneath a toadstool gray ; 

Ready for other bits as sweet. 

That chanced along his way. 


32 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 



For crafty was the heart that throbbed 
Beneath that mottled coat ; 

He timed his leap, so grasshopper 
Leaped right down froggie’s throat. 


STO/^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


33 


PENNY POP SHOW. 

“ pENNY pop show ! Penny pop show! ” 
Cried out our little Tim; 

And all the children crowded round, 

And gayly followed him. 

He led them to a tiny hole 
Upon the red barn’s side; 

“ Penny pop show I Penny pop show I ” 

With all his might he cried. 

They peeped, they laughed, then peeped again ; 

They saw this funny thing : 

A baby kitten sleeping lay. 

Beneath the old hen’s wing. 


SING A SONG OF VICTORY. 

OING a song of victory! 

For why should you cry.i^ 
Four and twenty lessons 
Mastered by “I’ll try.” 

When the books are opened 
Study them at once ; 

Never let your teacher 
Say you are a dunce. 


34 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 



I tiE^r jpuVe b een toKoci^^aLUj^ 
JV[y little Willie de^r. 

I'm sure jyou Ui^Ecl the pretty 
Pr^ ujIuj this little teacr^” ' 



lii(ecla.UrQcii\u;^ 

|a’ 1 u;3.s to so , 
ut didrit lli\^e de hutlerriEs 
JBeUuse hit me ae.” 


LITTLE WHEAT-EAR. 

J^ITTLE wheat-ear grew so tall, 
She looked o’er the garden wall ; 
Saw two little maidens sweet ; 

Saw the dollies at their feet ; 

Saw their lips in kisses meet ; 

Heard them words of love repeat ; 
And, to make the fun complete. 

She performed a wondrous feat ; 
Leaped right o’er the garden wall. 
Little wheat-ear, ripe and tall. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW.. 


35 


WITH THANKS. 

little Budge, your pretty gift 
Has served my ignorance to lift. 
I ne’er before had cause to think 

That pussy-cats could write with ink. 
Had I been told, perchance that I 
Had ^aid it was a foolish lie ; 

But on your lovely plate I see 

Three kittens writing notes to me.. 


JACK AND JILL HORNER. 

T^EAR little Jill Horner, 
Demure in her corner. 

Sat plying her needle and thread ,* • i 
When off flew her thimble. 

From finger so nimble, ( 

And hid itself under the bed. 

But little Jack Horner 
Then flew from his corner. 

Before he had finished his pie ; 

And brought back that thimblci : 
With action so nimble; m 

And said to his sister, “ Don’t cry.’f 


36 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


Then little Jill Horner, 

She smiled in her corner, 

And sang as she sewed up her seam : 
“ I ne’er saw another 
I’d change for my brother ; 

I think he’s of brothers the cream.” 

So little Jack Horner 
Ran back to his corner. 

And brought Jill a big piece of pie; 
And said to his sister, 

As fondly he kissed her : 

“ Was e’er such a rich boy as I } ” 


HOW THE KITTEN’S LIFE WAS SAVED. 

/^UR pussy — bless her pretty face — 

Had little kittens five ; 

But somehow, when we saw her next. 

But one remained alive. 

At first she mourned o’er babies lost ; 

Then she became content ; 

And all the love her heart could hold 
Was on that kitten spent. 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCJES NEW. 


37 


They chased each other’s graceful tails ; 

They rolled the scarlet ball ; 

Then, scampering up o’er grandma’s chair, 
Caught many a sudden fall. 

But when our kitchen floor was laid. 

In which we took such pride. 

Old pussy paced the boards alone. 

No kitten by her side. 

Soon from the depths below the floor 
Arose a piteous “ Mew,” 

And mother pussy’s actions said, 

“ Oh, dear, what shall I do .? ” 

Then, quickened by her mother-love. 

Puss ran out of the house ; 

And from her teeth, when she returned. 

There hung a baby mouse. 

And this she laid above the spot 
Where she had heard the sound 

Of kitty’s voice, but through those boards 
No opening could be found. 

“ Quick ! ” said dear grandma ; “ run and bring 
That hammer with a claw, 


38 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


And raise those cruel boards, through which 
She cannot thrust a paw.” 

In vain ; the spikes were firm and strong, 
That held those boards in place ; 

And sadness reigned, while pitying tears 
Rolled down dear grandma’s face. 

We called papa, whose word with us 
Had always passed as law ; 

He shouted, “ Tommy, go and fetch 
My auger and my saw.” 

Our hopes revived ; and through the floor, 

A door was quickly made ; 

And that our little pet would die. 

We were no more afraid. 

Then through the hole puss thrust her head. 
And crooned to call her pet ; 

But all was still, and to her call 
No kitten answered yet. 

Then pussy seized the tiny mouse. 

And dropped it down below ; 

And pussy’s crooning voice still urged, 

“ Why do you move so slow ? ” 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


39 


Soon in the distance we could hear 
A feeble little “ Mew,” 

Nearer and nearer; while we all 
The more impatient grew. 

And then a snowy head appeared, 
And pussy seized her child. 

And clasped it to her loving heart. 
While we looked on and smiled. 

She held it fast and washed its face. 
Then washed its pretty paws. 

And tenderly her pet embraced. 

With softly sheathed claws. 

What wondrous instinct God bestows. 
On creatures great and small ; 

And He who hears the raven’s cry. 
Still loves and cares for all. 


WHO IS DUNCAN DELL? 

T) Y my side my pet is seated. 
Sewing up her little seam ; 
Round her head the golden ringlets 
In the morning sunshine gleam. 


40 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Soon her pretty task is ended ; 

Folded in her lap it lies ; 

While a puzzling, eager question 
Shines within the sweet blue eyes. 

Then she whispers, “ If you love me. 
This great secret you must tell ; 

Who’s your other pet, dear mother. 

Tell me, who is Duncan Dell.? ” 

Round her lips the dimples quiver. 

And I take her on my knee ; 

“ I’ve no other pet, my darling, 

You are all the world to me.” 

“ But, dear mother, oft you tell me, 
When I know I’ve pleased you well. 

That with all your heart you love me. 
Love me more than Duncan Dell.” 

“ True,” I answer, choked with laughter. 
Till the tears responsive swell, 

“ True, I love my own sweet daughter. 
Love her more than tongue can telir 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


41 


PUSSY’S LUNCHEON 



LITTLE BO-PEEP. 

J ITTLE Bo-peep has learned to creep, 

And where do you think we found her ? 
Sitting out on the roof ; without a reproof, 

We threw our arms around her. 


STOJ?/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Little Bo-peep has learned to walk, 

And where do you think she travelled ? 
Right into my box, my pretty red box. 

And all my work she ravelled. 

Little Bo-peep has learned to talk. 

And merrily she will chatter ; 

While over the stairs and over the stairs. 

Her little feet now patter. 

Little Bo-peep has learned to read 
And spell in her little primer ; 

But every day you may hear her say : 

“ N-e-s-t spells skimmer.” 

Little Bo-peep we sent to school ; 

’Tis there that now you’ll find her ; 

But sad is her plight, for she didn’t do right ; 
Her book she left behind her. 


THE LAMENT OF THE PAPER FROG. 


^^NCE in a pool, — not clear, but cool, 
I sported with my brothers ; 

A polliwog, — not yet a frog. 

My shape just like the others. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


43 


One sunny hour, some wondrous power 
Deprived me of my tail ; 

But gave me feet, and form complete. 
And lovely coat of mail. 

I was a dunce, — because for once. 

I’d made a change for better; 

To take such pains, and rack my brains. 
To beg one more, by letter. 

Too sad this joke; — when I awoke, 

I found I’d turned to paper; 

And now I sigh : “ Alas ! oh, my ! 
Would I could once more caper! ” 

The baby frogs and polliwogs. 

They crowd around their mothers ; 

And point at me, and ask why he 
Plays no more with the others. 

The mother frogs, on mossy logs. 

With noisy elocution. 

Explain for me, “ He’s had, you see. 

Too much of evolution.” 


44 


STORIES TRUE AND EANC/ES NEW. 



pOUR and twenty froggies, 
By the water cool ; 

Standing on their hind legs, 
Playing singing-school. 

Four and twenty froggies 
Now they close their eyes; 

“ Ah !” said little Johnny, 

“ Now I have a prize.” 

Four and twenty froggies 
Whisper as they leap : 

“ Foolish little Johnny 
Thought we were asleep.” 

Four and twenty froggies 
Splashed the water high ; 

“ Ah ! ” said Johnny sadly, 

“ How shall I get dry } ” 



STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


45 


A STRANGE PROTECTOR. 

BROOD of chickens in the lane, — 
Soft, downy, tender things, — 
Were following their mother proud. 

For shelter ’neath her wings. 

She, bent on teaching them the way 
To scratch among the gravel. 

Forgot that she was in the path 
Where horses sometimes travel. 

“Cluck! cluck! scratch! scratch! with all 
your toes ! ” 

The doting mother said ; 

Nor saw the wheels that took her life. 

Ere half her chicks were fed. 

Her dying hour was filled with grief ; 

Her sighs she could not smother; 

That she must leave these tender pets 
To some unknown stepmother. 

At night these lonely little chicks, — 
They were but three weeks old, — 
Came cuddling to their mother’s side, 

But found her stark and cold. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 

A turkey-gobbler saw their plight ; 

Took pity on the brood ; 

And gathered them beneath his wings, 

And gave them softest food. 

And from that hour his tender love 
Supplied their every need; 

He mothered, scratched, and comforted. 

And proved a friend indeed. 

But when he told those chicks to say 
“ Gobble ” instead of “ Peep,” 

They tucked their heads beneath their wings. 
And played they were asleep. 


THE BATTLE OF THE ROBINS. 

' I AV O pretty robins built their nest 
In our old apple-tree ; 

And their devotion to their young 
Was beautiful to see. 

Sir Robin gathered far and wide 
The daintiest bits of food ; 

Fat worms and bugs, and other things 
That robins think so good. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


47 


A happier nest was never seen, 

Or fatter little birds ; 

Aunt Lucy’s joy in watching them, 

She scarce could put in words. 

But, one sad day, the mother-bird 
Rent the warm air with cries ; 

While o’er her nest in agony 
The anxious father flies. 

A hungry cat, with greedy eyes. 

Was creeping towards the nest; 

Aunt Lucy, crippled in her chair. 
Resolved to do her best. 

To Him who heeds the sparrow’s fall, 

“ Help, Lord,” her sweet voice rings; 

When suddenly the air was brown 
With birds on quivering wings. 

Each bird smote puss with rapid stroke. 
And pecked her naughty head ; 

Then quickly took a second turn. 

By Father Robin led. 

And thus before Aunt Lucy’s eyes. 

The battle fiercely raged ; 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 

’Twas plain to save that happy home 
Each robin had engaged. 

Bleeding and baffled, pussy dropped, 
Exhausted, on the ground ; 

While a glad song of victory 
Made the blue vault resound. 

Old puss had learned that apple-tree 
Must not her thoughts employ ; 

While down Aunt Lucy’s cheeks there rolled 
Sweet tears of purest joy. 


OUR HARRY. 

^^UR Harry, weary of his play. 
By hunger tempted sore. 
Tiptoed across the dining-room. 
And oped the closet door. 

But not a cracker met his eye. 
Nor cookie on the shelf ; 

No little pie with bit of cheese 
Where he could help himself. 


STO/^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


49 



The other grasped the shining rim, — 
“ ’Twill soon be mine,” he said. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


The treasure yielded as he pulled, 

Then turned completely o’er; 

Four quarts of milk my laddie drenched, 
And dashed along the floor. 

With piercing shriek he fled the house. 
And sped along the path ; 

A sadder, if not wiser boy. 

For that surprising bath. 

Had Harry asked his own mamma. 

He would have been “ in clover,” 

For on his pretty china plate 
She had a plump turnover. 

Perchance, within this very house 
Some little boy doth tarry. 

Who hunts for cake when he should ask 
As did our little Harry. 


A DOG WITH A CONSCIENCE. 

' ^HE clergymen are gentle folk. 

But oft I’ve been surprised 
To find, among these men of peace. 
Bulldogs so highly prized. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


51 


But I have learned with gentler eyes 
These worthy dogs to scan ; 

For truer or more loyal friends 
God never gave to man. 

The rector of a thriving church, — 

A man refined and true, — 

A bulldog owned of virtues great. 

And faults that were but few. 

This Bruno loved his master well. 

And all his master’s kin ; 

But as the story runs, you’ll see 
One page he stained with sin. 

A hen brought forth a brood of chicks, — 
Dear little balls of down, — 

That seemed intruders to the dog. 

And made old Bruno frown. 

And so he pounced upon a pair. 

With murder in his eye ; 

And broke their tender little necks. 

And laid them down to die. 

But when he saw them still and cold, 

He quaked with sudden fear. 


52 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


And dug two holes beside the barn, — 

And buried them, my dear. 

Murder will out, the proverb says ; 

Some one the master told 

Of Bruno’s fault, and Bruno skulked. 

That once had been so bold. 

His master led him to the coop. 

And Bruno hung his head ; 

And listened in a shame-faced way. 

To all his master said. 

Then, on his unresisting form. 

His master plied the rod. 

And left the now repentant dog 
Prostrate upon the sod. 

When we have wronged our neighbour, then. 
Like publican of old. 

True penitence will bid our hands 
Restore to him fourfold. 

The same true impulse Bruno moved 
To bitter tears, and then 

He scratched those poor dead chickens up. 
And brought them to the hen. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


53 


THE OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A 
SHOE. 

y^N old woman, were told, once lived in a shoe ; 

You’ve wondered, perhaps, if this story were true. 
Then let me assure you the half was ne’er told. 

Of trials that tortured that woman of old. 

With children so plenty, you all can believe 
She never found time for a new style of sleeve ; 

And some of the urchins their mother would mock. 
Because so old-fashioned the cut of her frock. 

Indeed it is rumoured that one of them sat, 

While sipping his broth, in her very best hat ; 

And as soon as the broth was out of the bowl. 

One hastened to smash it upon the hard sole. 

But ere the poor woman could capture the scamp. 

He made his escape through a hole in the vamp. 

’Twas vainly she struggled to tie up the strings ; 

On kite-tails they floated, as if they had wings. 

When called to their dinner they came with a bound. 
But when bidden to work they idled around. 

If, in utter despair, she sent them below. 

They ate all the jam they found in the toe. 


54 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Through many a hole in the counter once neat, 

They oft peppered with peas the boys out in the street ; 
While no pang of regret did one of them feel, 

In urging their home to run down at the heel. 

No woman, I’m sure, could keep from repining. 

To see the big holes they cut in the lining. 

Her head became crazy, and whiter her hair. 

Their antics reduced her to hopeless despair. 

So, readers, I pray you not harshly to judge. 

Nor think that her trials deserve but a “ Fudge ; ” 

Had you stood in her shoe. I’m sure ’twould be said 
You “whipped them all soundly and sent them to bed.” 


TWEEDLE-DUM, TWEEDLE-DEE. 

Al^E’VE chopped all the wood and done up the 
chores ; 

We’ve polished the irons and swept up the floors; 
We’ve hoed the potatoes and dug with the spade ; 

So listen, kind friends, to our sweet serenade. 

Our pockets are empty, we seek them to fill ; 

We’re willing to work, and we’ll work with a will; 
We’ll sell you pop-corn, as white as can be. 

And merrily sing, “ Tweedle-dum, tweedle-dee.” 


STO/^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


55 


The corn we have planted, the corn we have hoed, 
Then gathered the harvest, — a bountiful load ; 

The corn we have popped, — it shouted with glee ; 
Please listen and buy: “ Tweedle-dum, tweedle-dee.” 

“ All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy;” 
We’ve done our work well, now fill us with joy. 

A boat and some hooks we long have been wishing ; 
If you’ll buy the corn, then we’ll go a-fishing. 


AMY TATCHIN’ WOBINS. 



rj4jew is heavy on the srass 

^"“TKousK the sun Kais risen; 

r e mb! ings drops upon bKe trees 
Di&rnonds imprison, 

here's the baby 1 would dress 
5ee her head a. -bobbin I 
Down the lawn the fairy flits, 
Don to td.bcK a wobin” 

n her band a pinch of salt,— 
elusb see that easer stoop* 
\ Much I fear what baby’ll catch 
\y/’j|| be a little croup. 


56 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 


JOHNNY’S LETTERS. 

"O OSY-CHEEKED and smiling Johnny 
Placed his primer on my knee ; 

“ Mamma, dear, I know my letters. 

Dess you hear me, you will see.” 

“ Well, my darling, let me tell you, 

These big letters spell a B A R N ; 

If you name them without missing. 

You may wind this pretty yarn.” 

Pointing with his dimpled finger : 

“ Dat I know is bouncing B ; 

A comes next ; it stands for Apple ; 

Den anover bouncing B.” 

“ Look again, my little laddie. 

Open wide those pretty eyes ; 

If you name them without missing, 

Here’s a sixpence for a prize.” 

“ Mamma, dear, I know my letters. 

An’ I like this spelling-talk ; 

But ’tis B, only his foot’s up. 

While he takes a wittle walk.” 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


57 


LUCIE AND THE SQUIRRELS. 

OEE our brown-eyed little Lucie, 
Sitting ’neath the chestnut-tree ; 
Waiting till I shake the branches, 

Then a shower of nuts she’ll see. 

But the pretty little squirrels 
Scamper on their nimble feet ; 

Seize the chestnuts, and above her 
Feast upon the kernels sweet. 

Lucy likes the nuts to gather. 

But she loves the squirrels more ; 

So she shakes with merry laughter. 

As they carry off her store. 


POOR JOE! 

TOO OR little Joe, with signs of woe, 
Bemoans an aching tooth ; 

Till with the pain, like April rain. 

His tears do fall forsooth. 

The cause for tears o’ercomes his fears ; 
He seeks the dentist’s door; 


58 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Ere he can ring we hear him sing : 

“ I feel the pain no more.” 

The happy boy flies home with joy, 

And claims his frosted cake ; 

His eyes shine bright ; he takes one bite ; 
Oh, how that tooth does ache ! 

“ This pain must cease and give me peace, 
Or I shall go distracted ; 

Once more I’ll run to number one. 

And have the pest extracted. 

“ But much I fear ’twill disappear 
Just as I reach that number; 

That I may save my courage brave. 

I’ll carry this cucumber.” 

He rings the bell; his tooth is. well; 

So, lest his courage fail, 

He takes a bite, with all his might. 

And makes a fearful wail. 

So keen the pain, ’tis very plain 
The tooth will skip to-day; 

The maid appears ; but vain his tears.: 

“ The doctor’s gone away.” 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 


59 


THE MAN IN THE SUN. 



T he man in the sun just thought it 
was fun 

To fry a good pan of eels ; 

When both sides were cooked, then 
at them he looked, 

And turned and threw up his heels. 


ROBIN IS ON THE LAWN. 

/^H, why should we weep for the sky overcast.? 

I am sure the cold winter has gone. 

I’ll tell you a secret, — it fills me with joy, — 
Dear Robin is out on the lawn. 


6o 


STOI?/£S TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Our eyes may be dim, and our faith may be small, 

As we wearily wait for the dawn ! 

But Robin sees clearly that seed-time is near ! 

Hurrah ! he is out on the lawn. 

He runs a few steps, then he listens to hear 
The wriggling response of the worm ; 

Too early, alas, it has ventured in sight; 

In a moment it ceases to squirm. 

Then lest it be lonely dear Robin runs quick. 

And sends down to cheer it a brother ; 

The ground seems alive they pop up so fast. 

So down go three more, then another. 

In the tree overhead his little brown mate 
Is laying an egg in the nest ; 

Now he flies up to give her a fat little bite. 

Then sings that he loves her the best. 

She whispers, “ They’re oval and pretty and warm ; ” 
He answers, “ Please show them to me,” 

Then daintily helps her to rise from the nest. 

And, “ Are they not beauties } ” says she. 

“ We’ll name them at once Tom, Dickie and Will 
And Robbie and Neddie,” says he. 

Madame laughs in his face as she stretches her wing 
“ Better wait till I’ve hatched them,” says she. 


STOJ^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 

SITTING BULL. 

^^ATTLE of royal rank and blood, 

And faultless pedigree, 

On every side, from earliest youth. 

Our little pet could see. 

When told that Sitting Bull was dead. 

His blue eyes filled with tears, — 

“ Poor Sitting Bull ! he’s dead ! he’s dead ! 

He’s not lived half his years ! ” 

Hew’s thoughts were on the blooded stock 
That o’er the hillside poured : 

“ Poor Sitting Bull ! too bad he died ! 

He was a Hereford ! ” 


JACK AND JENNY WREN. 

PRE spring gave place to summer. 
In blithe and bonnie May, 

I sought the cool piazza. 

To pass a sultry day. 

When suddenly two little wrens 
Upon the railing flew; 

And roundly me they scolded. 

And I deserved it, too. 


62 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEIV. 


Said saucy little Jenny: 

“ Were I as big as you, 

I’d do as I’d be done by, 

And keep my promise, too. 

“ But here you sit, forgetting 
’Tis time for me to build ; 

If my wee box were ready 
I soon should have it filled.” 

Then Jack came strutting by her. 
Cocking his little tail ; 

With added accusations 

Lest Jenny’s words should fail. 

“ Among our friends last summer. 

We counted you the best; 

Are we so soon forgotten ? 

If not, where is that nest ? ” 

When lost their breath with scolding, 
I hastened to reply: 

“ The painters came last autumn, 

I had to lay it by. 

“ I’ve had it swept and garnished. 

It was no idle play; 


STORIES TREE AND EANCIES NEW. 


63 


I’ll rent it now to you, dears, 

This lovely month of May.” 

No longer then I tarried, 

But to the stable flew. 

And soon, in the piazza. 

Their box hung good as new. 

Then, taking glad possession. 

They gathered twigs and hay ; 

And happy in such labour. 

Sang sweetly all the day. 

When summer came, wee birdies. 
Like tiny balls of down. 

Were taught to fly by mother. 

Or father-bird so brown. 

And all the merry summer. 

This happy little pair 

Poured forth their gladsome music. 
Upon the perfumed air. 


64 


STORIES TREE AND FANCIES NEW. 


THE LATEST INCUBATOR. 

SOL, one day, in merrie mood. 
Resolved upon a spree ; 

He scratched his head and shook his sides. 
And laughed right merrilie. 


“ There’s nothing new, I hear men prate ; 
I’ll show them, now or later. 

That I, the god of day, can run 
A mammoth incubator.” 

The sly old rogue had spied, that day, 

A crate of eggs forgotten ; 

White, cream, and brown, all freshly laid 
By hens of Farmer Grotten. 

So, day by day, he poured his beams 
Around those orphaned eggs ; 

Until, within each pretty shell 
There grew a pair of legs. 

And, day by day, his tender love 
Made his warm beams the stronger; 

Till answering life within those shells 
Could be restrained no longer. 



THE LATEST INCUBATOR. 




STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


67 


Five hundred pretty little chicks 
Came peeping forth to light ; 

Five hundred bills began to peck 
At every grain in sight. 

The people flocked from far and near, 
This miracle to see ; 

Old Sol, the rogue, enjoyed the fun. 

And shook his sides with glee. 

But when each man, in fierce dispute. 
Claimed his the honour won ; 

Old Sol cried out: “/hatched this brood. 
Their Mother is their Sun.” 


MY SPEECH. 

T HAVE a little garden-plot. 

With posies in the border; 

And with my little spade and rake 
I keep it all in order. 

I make a hole, put in a seed. 

Then spread the earth above it ; 

The root goes down, the stalk shoots up. 
It grows because I love it. 


68 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


My pansies, smiling, nod at me ; 

I love their pretty faces ; 

Ma says her little daughter dear 
Should imitate their graces. 

I stir the soil about the roots ; 

This is the way I do it ; 

One day I tossed a plant in air. 
And sadly did I rue it. 

But I must take my wat’ring-pot. 
And sprinkle well my cannas; 
So I will bid you all good-bye. 
And make my little manners. 


AWhe (l)UssesUor\, 




Ka>t ilender tube you hold, my son. 

Is filled with mercury. 

And when 1 pla.ce it in your batK 
You’ll see a. mystery 


t has no little Feet or tonsue 

1 But it runs up like this, 

And pointing to the Figures Kere 
It tells Kow Kot it is 

J^^vDromptly, from Allan’s Fertile brain 
Comes tKis proFound suggestion, 
Can that thing tell Kow cold it is 
That's th’ important question!” 


3 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


69 


THE HOUSE WHERE JACK LIVED. 

^HIS is the house where Jack lived. 

This is the stool, that stood in the house where 
Jack lived. 

This is the boy, that sat on the stool, that stood in the 
house where Jack lived. 

This is the pie, that was made for the boy, that sat on 
the stool, that stood in the house where Jack lived. 

This is the plum, that was hid in the pie, that was made 
for the boy, that sat on the stool, that stood in the 
house where Jack lived. 

This is the thumb, that pulled out the plum, that was 
hid in the pie, that was made for the boy, that sat 
on the stool, that stood in the house where Jack 
lived. 

This is the mouth that kissed the thumb, that pulled 
out the plum, that was hid in the pie, that was 
made for the boy, that sat on the stool, that stood 
in the house where Jack lived. 

And Jack was the boy, that owned the mouth, that 
kissed the thumb, that pulled out the plum, that 
was hid in the pie, that was made for the boy, that 
sat on the stool, that stood in the house where Jack 
lived. 


70 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


WHY THAT CYCLE WOULDN’T GO. 

/^UR hero bought a bicycle 

Renowned for strength and speed ; 

Among contending styles ’twas called 
The very best indeed. 

A warrant too the seller gave, 

That it should run a year; 

In perfect order, good and true. 

Nor cause a single tear. 

Our hero, ere he went to bed. 

Gave it a dose of oil ; 

And polished it in every part. 

With unremitting toil. 

He slept, he rose, and, flushed with pride. 

He sprang astride his wheel ; 

But not an inch that creature moved. 

That horse of glittering steel. 

Bursting with rage he sought the store ; 

“ ’Tis men, not wheels, you sell ; 

With every drop this bottle held, 

I oiled that cycle well.” 


SrOJ^/BS TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 71 

“ Next time, good sir, the label read ; 

The liquid that you spent 
Upon your wheel, instead of oil. 

Was our first-class cement.” 


GOD MADE THE TOADS AND SNAKES. 

TN the beginning, so we read, 

God made the earth and skies ; 

The kangaroos, the elephants. 

And beasts of every size. 

He made the trees, — majestic, grand ; 

He made each lovely flower ; 

He made the birds, the butterflies. 

With His almighty power. 

But, children, dear, do not forget 
’Tis that same hand that makes. 

For life and joy and liberty. 

The little toads and snakes. 

Treat them with loving, tender care. 

Nor let one missile fly. 

To cause one creature God has made. 

To suffer, droop, or die. 


7 ^ 


SrOJ?/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


THREE POOR LITTLE MICE. 



^HREE poor little mice 
Were caught in a trice ; 
Pray how did this come to pass ? 

Their home they forsook ; 

And just went to look 
At a little red box in the grass. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


73 


OUR GOLDEN ROBIN. 

p. ROBIN with a golden breast 
Made ours his summer home ; 

And music such as angels love 
Arose to heaven’s blue dome. 

Upon a swaying bough he hung 
A slender purse and long ; 

With wondrous skill, his Maker gave, 
He made it safe and strong. 

He hung it on some dainty twigs. 
And lined it well with down ; 

No softer bed could princess own. 

In city or in town. 

And here his pretty mate bestowed 
Five eggs of ashen hue ; 

On these with patient love she sat. 
Dear mother-love so true. 

They cast aside their dainty shells ; 
They learned to try their wing ; 

And Father Robin taught his sons 
Their Maker’s praise to sing. 


74 


STO/^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Alas ! into this Eden came 
A boy with cruel eye ; 

And broke dear Father Robin’s wing, 
Just as his pets could fly. 

Ere he could seize his brilliant prize, 
Frank stayed his cruel arm ; 

And sheltered robin on her breast, 
Where he was safe from harm. 

In vain the urchin stormed and raved. 
And stamped upon the floor ; 

The bird was safe, and he was driven 
Far from that kindly door. 

Frank took a piece of muslin white. 

Cut two holes for its feet ; 

Then sewed it snug o’er Robin’s back, — 
A jacket firm and neat. 

Three weeks dear robin shared her home 
It then impatient grew. 

Dreaming of mate and children lost. 

And joys that once it knew. 

Its jacket then dear Frank removed. 

And it essayed to fly. 


STORIES TRUE AND EANC/ES NEW. 75 

But wings were weak from long disuse, — 
’Twas all in vain to try. 

A few more days of quiet rest, 

Then robin felt his power ; 

And plainly said, “ My time has come ; 

I go this gladsome hour.” 

Then to the grape-vine near he flew. 

And looked up in her face. 

And sang a song of gratitude 
With most bewitching grace. 

His song was full and clear and sweet. 

The very best he knew ; 

Then robin spread his pretty wings. 

And off, away he flew. 


CHARLIE’S TARGET. 

T T OW I grieve to relate the tragical fate 
^ Of Rosa, dear Mabel’s sweet doll ; 
Shot by an arrow, like little Cock Sparrow, 
Beloved and regretted by all. 


The day was so fine, Mabel took her to walk, 
In garments of azure arrayed ; 


70 STORIES TRUE AND EANC/ES NEIV. 

And, right over her head, her parasol blue 
Was held, as her charms were displayed. 

So smiling and bright tripped the dear little 
maid. 

That all smiled the darling to see ; 

She sang as she skipped to the orchard so near, 
And stood ’neath the old apple-tree. 

There Charlie she met with his arrow and bow. 
And seeking a target to find ; 

“ O Mabel,” said he, “ I am glad you have come 
Your dollie is just to my mind.” 

So Mabel, quite happy since Rosa was praised. 
Suspended her doll on the tree ; 

And, fearing no evil, but eager for fun, 

Clapped her hands with innocent glee. 

Then Charlie took aim, and the arrow it flew ; 

Alas for poor Rosa so sweet ! 

Her beautiful head it was splintered to bits. 

And severed her legs from her feet. 

“ Why, Mabel,” said Charlie, “ how could I 
suppose 

Your doll into pieces would fly.? 



Charlie’s target. 




STOJ^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


79 


I’ll be a good brother, and buy you another ; 

Oh, please, little Mabel, don’t cry.” 

But, stricken with grief, Mabel sank to the earth. 
And bitter her tears as she said : 

“ Pray who but a boy would think he could buy 
A doll like my Rosa who’s dead.” 


Since this was published I have learned 
That Charlie was far bolder 
Than I supposed ; and Mabel’s doll 
Was shot from Mabel’s shoulder. 

So in historic Watertown 
This hapless fate befell 
A beauteous doll ; and Charles became 
A second William Tell. 


THE CATS’ COUNTRY-SEAT. 

\ 1 7HILE out tracking a mole, 

I discovered a hole 
In the wall of a fine estate ; 

I pray for their pardon, 

I peeped in their garden 
And saw what I now will relate. 


8o 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


’Twas a summer retreat, 

A refined country-seat 
Where kittens could live at their ease ; 
There were lots of nice things, 

Such as hammocks and swings. 
Hung round in the shade of the trees. 

The gayest of kittens. 

In pretty silk mittens. 

Were frisking around in the grass; 
They chased one another. 

Each sister and brother. 

And funniest things came to pass. 

In the meadow each day, 

When they wearied of play, 

A very nice banquet was spread ; 

Of milk there was plenty. 

No tumbler was empty. 

And butter both sides of their bread. 

In a corner so sweet. 

Sat some grand-tabbies neat, 
A-mending the kitty-cats’ hose ; 

There was plenty of light. 

Yet, for aiding their sight. 

Gold spectacles straddled each nose. 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 


8l 


As they gossiped, they smiled, 

And their labours beguiled 
With tales of the long, long ago. 

When poor kittens and cats 
Had to hunt for the rats. 

Or go without supper, you know. 

Said Old Malty to Spot: 

“ Now the morning grows hot. 

It is time for our team to arrive ; 

So fold up each stocking. 

The footman is knocking. 

And off we will go for a drive. 

“ The carriage approaches, 

The gayest of coaches, 

With driver in livery fine ; 

It is Tommy so black. 

In his ebony sack. 

Whose claws are now grasping the line. 

“ The horses so prancing. 

Impatiently dancing. 

Are mastiffs high-stepping and gay ; 
And we ne’er see a scowl. 

Hear a bark or a growl. 

Such manners have long passed away.” 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Refreshed from their labours, 

They call on their neighbours, 

In jewels and laces so fine; 

The gray footman polite 
Springs to help them alight ; 

Their neighbours invite them to dine. 

So, beneath the green trees. 

In sweet pleasures like these. 

The summer and fall sped away ; 

Till merry Jack Frost 
The green barriers crossed, 

And said, “ I have come here to stay.” 


BETH WANTS A MODERN COW. 

"X 1 7E bought a cow, a Jersey cow, 

Whose milk would pass for cream 
Her eyes were like an antelope’s. 

And soft as poet’s dream. 

We kept her in a pasture near 
Where grass and clover grew ; 

Where shade and stream together met. 
For health and comfort too. 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 


83 


And every night at milking-time, 

Our little daughter came, 

To fill her china cup with milk. 

Then taste and taste the same. 

A week went by ; this little maid 
For my attention sought ; 

“ Mamma,” said she, “ I do not like 
That lazy cow you bought. 

“ Our city cow gave buttermilk, 

And all the diff’rent kinds. 

Of warm and cold and sour milk. 

To suit our changing minds. 

“ But every day I’ve tasted this, — 
The milk that creature gives, — 

And think she is the poorest cow. 

The laziest cow that lives. 

“ She looks serene, and chews her cud. 
No matter what I say; 

And just one kind of milk she gives 
To us from day to day. 

“ So, mother dear, please tell papa 
That Jersey cow must go ; 

And he must buy a later style, 

That’s up to date, you know.” 


84 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 



D’ 


|EAR little Bohea, 

On good ship “ Crimea ” 
From China she came to our shore. 
They put her in water ; 

O my ! it was hotter 
Than this little maid could endure. 


Her strength it did leave her ; 

No one could relieve her; — 
Though cupping was promptly applied. 
Although a good sailor, 

She grew pale and paler ; 

Then, dying, the water she dyed. 




STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 


85 


GEORGIE’S SPARROWS. 

^AID little Mr. Sparrow, 

“ Dear Jenny, come this way, 

For it is now the merry. 

The merry month of May. 

“ I’ve seen your modest ways, dear, 
Your pretty coat of brown. 

And think you are the dearest. 

The sweetest bird in town.” 

And this he sealed with kisses 
Upon her little bill ; 

And thus they did their courting 

■ Upon the window-sill. 

And then to Parson Robin 
These little sparrows came ; 

Jack vowed to love for ever, 

And Jenny vowed the same. 

Then Jack picked up some feathers. 
With hay, to build a nest; 

And Jenny did her little part, — 
Perhaps she worked the best. 


86 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Five speckled eggs in this were laid, 

And Jenny kept them warm; 

She loved to feel them ’neath her wings, 
In sunshine or in storm. 

And when, from out those pretty eggs. 
Five baby sparrows peeped. 

The mother-heart within her breast 
With joyful gladness leaped. 

And on the roof beneath the nest 
They kept a pile of hay. 

For Jenny thought perchance her chicks 
Might fall when at their play. 

But thrice some ruthless broom was plied. 
To keep the shingles neat; 

And thrice their store of hay was strewn 
Along the village street. 

Then Jack and Jenny flew in haste. 

And gathered it again. 

And piled it up below their nest ; 

Their meaning was so plain. 

That Auntie laid aside her broom. 

And a most joyful “ Peep ” 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


87 


Arose from Jenny, when she knew 
The cushion she might keep. 

For sad those little hearts would be, 

If out upon the stones 
Their pets should tumble, and should break 
Their precious little bones. 

Since English sparrows are so wise 
In caring for their young. 

I’m sure ’tis right that, by my pen. 

Their praises should be sung. 


JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. 

TF all the Jacks of history 
Before our vision came. 

I’m sure not one could ere surpass 
The Jack of Beanstalk fame. 

But how the stories manifold. 

To differ all agree ; 

And one seems lost, that in my youth 
Was very dear to me. 

This Jack had lost his parents dear. 
Before he knew their worth ; 


88 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


And seemed, from hunger, want, and cold, 
A vagabond on earth. 

But one glad day a bean he found. 

That filled his heart with joy ; 

So rich the colours, and how smooth ! 

It comforted the boy. 

He took it to the barren spot. 

Where, in an humble shed. 

With rags he’d begged from door to door, 
He made his lonely bed. 

And fearing lest his prize be seen 
By those who knew its worth. 

He buried it, at midnight hour. 

Deep in old mother earth. 

A richer boy he travels now 
The cold and dusty streets. 

And with a smile each traveller 
Our little hero greets. 

Beside his shed a palace rose. 

And towered above his head ; 

And oft he dreamed of ent’ring there. 
While slumb’ring on his bed. 



'//.y/A 

h’tj S 


'/////. 




iv^U m / 




JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. 



STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


91 


One morning Jack arose, to find, 

Above his hidden treasure, 

A wondrous vine, within whose shade 
He sat with growing pleasure. 

The vine grew fast, and soon it touched 
The palace roof so high ; 

And little Jack was sure it leaned 
Against the far-off sky. 

And then another prize was his. 

He earned a little hatchet ; 

And wondered if another child 
Could have a joy to match it. 

And then a vision came to him 
In dreams upon his bed ; 

And “ Rise and conquer,” were the words 
He thought the vision said. 

He rose, and in the vine he thrust 
His hatchet, firm and strong ; 

And upward climbed, with eager step, 
Singing this merry song: 

“ I’ll hitch my hatchet and up I’ll go. 

The higher I climb the more I’ll know! ” 


92 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


In the first story of the house, 

That now seemed all his own, 

A kindergarten he enjoyed ; 

Kind arms were round him thrown. 

He learned of cubes and cylinders. 

Of spheres, and day by day 

He joined in all their merry songs. 

And in their pretty play. 

His heart, so starved before, now glowed 
With tender thoughts and free ; 

His opening mind and habits neat 
Were beautiful to see. 

He mastered all this room could teach. 
Then climbed a story higher ; 

For love and knowledge all his heart 
Burned with a pure desire. 

“ I’ll hitch my hatchet and up I’ll go. 

The higher I climb the more I’ll know! ” 

And so he rose, by sure degrees. 

From alphabet to college ; 

For the vast palace he explored, 

The Temple was of Knowledge. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


93 


OUR PONY. 

pONY small, 

In the yard ; 
Door is shut ; 
Thinks it hard. 

Whinnies loud ; 

Whinnies long ; 
Thinks it is 
A pretty song. 

Open door; 

No one near; 
Pony sees 

Th’ way is clear. 

Soon he’s found 
With his head 
In the box, 

Eating bread. 


94 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 


THE STINGY OLD WOMAN. 



' ‘'HERE was an old woman who lived in a boot, 
That once had protected a forty-inch foot ; 
This woman was stingy, — so stingy and mean, 
The fewer such women the better, I ween. 

In the toe of this boot were packets of gold, 

For thousands of apples this old woman sold ; 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


95 


But never an urchin was given a bite, 

Tho’ bushels of apples lay tempting in sight. 

And for fear they should reach from fence or from log, 
And pick some of her fruit, she kept a fierce dog ; 

No wonder poor Towser would bark and would bite. 
The dog was so hungry from morning till night. 

The poor little birdies around her would hop. 

And looking for crumbs they would timidly stop ; 

But her crumbs could be used for puddings for self. 

So she spread them to dry upon a high shelf. 

Click, click, went her needles while knitting warm socks 
Of wool, from the fleece of her numerous flocks ; 

On the poor not a pair would she ever bestow, 

To add to her pile to the store they must go. 

The good Pixies despised a woman so mean. 

The stingiest woman they ever had seen ; 

So, armed with sharp needles, all softly they crept. 

And sewed up the boot, while the old woman slept. 

Now her home was so dark, she slumbered till noon. 
Even then when she woke she thought it too soon ; 

So she turned on her bed from day unto day. 

And while she thus slept many years passed away. 


96 


STOJ?/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


One friend lingered faithful awhile at his post, 

Then so long he’d been starved, he gave up the ghost ; 
When Towser no longer the children could fright. 
They feasted on apples from morning till night. 

The leather grew tender, — the boot became old, — 
Thro’ many a fissure came rolling the gold ; 

The Pixies then seized on the old miser’s hoard. 

On widows and orphans her treasure they poured. 

They shouted for joy as they scattered the pelf 
She had laboured so hard to store up for self ; 

The naked they clothed, the hungry they fed. 

While the selfish old woman still slept in her bed. 

The Pixies declare they will soften her heart. 

No change is too great for their magical art; 

And that when she wakes she’ll be gentle and kind ; 
For ’twas for this purpose the sleep they design’d. 


MY WRENS. 

J HAVE some pretty neighbours, 
And all the summer long 
It fills my heart with pleasure 
To listen to their song. 



MY WRENS, 






STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


99 


And not a single shilling 
For all this treat I pay ; 

My wrens are more than willing 
To sing the livelong day. 

A cottage I provided, 

For pets I love so well ; 

That you may share such music, 
The secret I will tell. 

A can that once held peaches, 

I robbed of either end ; 

Replacing both with bits o’ wood. 
That ventilation lend. 

The tiny door they enter 
Is barely one inch high ; 

No sparrow ere can pass it. 
However hard they try. 

Before the door a shingle, 

Quite long and very wide ; 

The nest, the eggs, the music. 
The happy wrens provide. 


lOO 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW, 



A. Punny 



T ALWAYS had a dog or cat 
To share my loved abode ; 

But once I chose for household pet 
A little baby toad. 

Too small he was, I fear, by half, 
So far abroad to roam ; 

And his poor mother sadly missed 
Her little toad at home. 

But having lost his way, a friend 
Brought Hoppie to my care ; 

I made of him a welcome guest. 
And learned his chosen fare. 

On tiny ants, at first, he fed, 

On small, then larger, flies ; 

The number he could stow away 
Would fill you with surprise. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


lOI 


Your tongue, my dear, points towards 
your lips. 

To help each word you say; 

But little Hoppie’s nimble tongue 
Turned just the other way. 

The roots were planted near his mouth, 
His tongue lay in a coil ; 

Ready to seize upon his prey. 

And make his own the spoil. 

So, when he spied a pretty fly, 

A sudden flash you’d note ; 

And on that sticky tongue, sir fly 
Had travelled down his throat. 

As Hoppie grew, fat angle-worms 
I dug to please his taste ; 

And by the dozen these would slide 
’Neath his expanding waist. 

’Twas fun to see him eat a worm ; 

He heeded not its angry squirm ; 
Midway he took a vig’rous bite. 

Then struck it in with all his might. 

This foot, then that, he used full well ; 
His cheeks then each began to swell ; 


102 STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 

His shoulders rose to touch his ears, 

His eyes he closed ; if there were tears, 

They were for joy, as lost to view. 

He said : “ Dear worm, good-bye to you 

I am your friend, with pity stirred, 

I’ve saved you from the early bird. 

“ He would have torn you into bits ; 

Or surely scared you into fits ; 

While now you’re gently laid to rest 

Within my kind, capacious breast.” 

Each fall, my toad, within the ground. 
Withdrew for well-earned rest ; 

But in the spring he gaily rose, 

And sang among the best. 

He never failed, as days grew long. 

To don a fresh new coat ; 

He put it on when out of sight, 

’Neath last year’s robe, I note. 

% 

And then a fissure down his spine. 
Appeared in the old skin ; 

It widened fast, till out he stepped. 
Proud of the spots within. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


103 


He stripped the cov’rings from his legs, 
Like stockings old and worn ; 

Though faded, they retained their shape. 
Nor were they darned nor torn. 

And can you guess what toadie did 
With his discarded coat } 

He tucked it in that mouth of his, 

Down that capacious throat. 

Thrice happy hours are theirs, my child. 
Who study bird and beast ; 

Despise them not ; your Father made 
The greatest and the least. 


FUR AND FEATHERS. 

HE greatest thing in all this world. 



My children dear, is love ; 
Your parents, brothers, sisters, prize 
All earthly things above. 

For love will fill the humblest home 
With sunshine all the day; 


104 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


’Twill lighten all the hours of toil, 

And sweeten hours of play. 

If you’ll be quiet as the mice, 

A story true I’ll tell. 

About a dear old tabby-cat. 

That could not read nor spell. 

But her kind heart was filled with love, — 
Dear mother-love so sweet, — 

With not a kitten of her own. 

To play around her feet. 

With eager, loving heart, she sought 
For something dear to cuddle. 

When, lo ! within some hay, she found 
Four chickens in a huddle. 

She heard their mournful, hungry cry ; 

She saw them shake with cold ; 

For thoughtless Ben their mother took 
And in the market sold. 

Nearer she crept; then drew the chicks 
To her warm, loving breast ; 

She gently purred ; they gladly leaned 
On her soft fur to rest. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


105 


Each day her fond devotion proved 
Sufficient for their need ; 

Soft dough from out the poultry-house 
She brought her pets to feed. 

They nestled closely near her heart ; 

They ate from out her mouth ; 

No chickens ere were better kept, 

In north or east or south. 

They drank fresh water from her lips, 

As well as sweetest milk ; 

They loved this mother clothed in fur 
As soft and smooth as silk. 

No harm could reach their happy nest. 
For tabby’s watchful eye 

Afar would spy a prowling beast. 

Or hawk far up on high. 

And when they grew to hen’s estate. 

She loved them just the same ; 

And often, where they raised their young. 
Their foster-mother came. 

And ever after, when a brood 
Of chickens lost their mother. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEJV. 


io6 


Dear tabby made for them a home, 
And they would seek no other. 


The truth of this strange story 
Is vouched by one who gave it ; 
Just call on me, ye doubters. 

And read her affidavit. 


THE TRUE STORY OF MARY AND HER 
LAMB. 

^^OME, Alice, with your golden hair. 

And Raymond, bring your stool ; 

And hear about the pretty lamb. 

That Mary led to school. 

’Twas Farmer Sawyer owned the sheep. 

And Mary was his child ; 

Her heart was tender, good, and true ; 

Her manners meek and mild. 

So feeble was the baby lamb. 

It scarce could draw its breath ; 

And Mary’s nursing saved the lamb 
From an untimely death. 



MARY’S BIRTHPLACE 





» 



STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEJV. 


She took the cosset from the hand 
Of her beloved sire ; 

All day and night, upon her knee, 
She held it by the fire. 

In flannel soft and thick she wrapped 
Its shivering little form ; 

And held it gently to her breast. 

To keep it snug and warm. 

Some soothing catnip tea she placed 
Beside her in a cup ; 

And oft and lovingly she coaxed 
Her little lamb to sup. 

And happy was dear Mary’s heart. 

As any in the land. 

When daylight showed her little pet 
Upon its feet could stand. 

And Mary’s snowy lamb grew strong. 
And prettier day by day ; 

And ’twas a gladsome sight to see 
These loving friends at play. 

Around its dainty legs she tied 
Some pantalets with glee ; 


no 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


And wrapped it in a plaided shawl 
Beneath the apple-tree. 

And round its pretty neck she tied 
A bow of ribbon blue ; 

And side by side, in grace and strength, 
The lamb and lassie grew. 

Would I had only happiness 
Of Mary’s lamb to tell ; 

But oh, a fearful tragedy 
That hapless lamb befell. 

One day, within the farmer’s barn. 

This petted lamb drew near 

Some tethered cows ; ’twas so beloved. 

It had no sense of fear. 

Alas ! this precious lamb was gored. 
While pitiful its bleat; 

‘Then ran to its dear friend, and died 
At weeping Mary’s feet. 

And Mary raised its pretty head. 

And laid it on her arm ; 

And wept, that she could not have kept 
Her darling from such harm. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


And all its snowy wool she saved, 
And spun upon her wheel ; 
And Mary’s sorrow for her lamb 
Would melt a heart of steel. 



MARY. 


All this, dear children, came to pass 
So many years ago. 

That Mary’s locks of chestnut brown 
Bleached white as purest snow. 


I 12 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 


Then came a rumour of alarm, 

That passed from mouth to mouth ; 

And Boston dames arose in might, 

To save the dear “ Old South.” 

And each dear grandma, far and near. 
Came with her spinning-wheel, 

To save from vandal hands the church ; 
Such was their sacred zeal. 

“ Aunt Mary” came among the crowd. 
With bits of precious wool. 

That long ago her lamb had worn 
To that old village school. 

All pressed around, her hand to grasp. 
And to enjoy the pith 

Of her true story of the lamb. 

They long had thought a myth. 

The tiny strands of wool she brought. 
For the Old South were sold ; 

For every inch they gladly gave 
Ten times its weight in gold. 

Three score and ten, and half of ten ; 
The dollars fell like rain ; 


/ 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEJV. 


II3 


And Mary’s lamb helped turn the tide, 
That ne’er must rise again. 

And generations yet unborn 
Of Mary’s lamb shall hear ; 

And o’er its tragic fate, each child 
Will drop a pitying tear. 

But when they read of Mary’s lamb. 

Or hear by word of mouth. 

Let them thank God, that tender lamb 
Helped save the dear Old South. 



MARY’S CARD. 

Note. — Mary E. Sawyer was born in the pretty little town of Sterling, 
Mass., March 22, 1806. Mary’s teacher was Miss Polly Kimball, mother 
of Mr. Loring, proprietor of the well-known Loring circulating library of 



II4 


STO/?/£S TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Boston. “ Mary’s lamb was born one cold, bleak, March morning, and at 
first her father refused to try to save its feeble life. Mary begged for it, 
and held it in her arms all night, before a warm fire, well wrapped in 
flannel, feeding it with catnip tea. The lamb improved rapidly and was 
her constant companion all summer. Its fleece was very fine and white 
and she often combed it and tied the wool with bright ribbons.” A young 
man named John Roulstone, nephew of Rev. Lemuel Capin, was visiting 
the school the day that Mary’s lamb followed her, and he wrote the first 
three verses of the well-known lines about Mary and her lamb. A Mrs. 
Hale added the other verses. Young Roulstone was preparing to enter 
Harvard, but he died before the end of the freshman year. “ The death 
of Mary’s pet took place on Thanksgiving Day. The lamb had followed 
her to the barn where it met its tragic fate.” Mrs. Tyler said, “ It was a 
sorrowful moment for me, for the companion of many of my romps, my 
playfellow of many a long summer’s day, had given up its life, and its 
place could not be filled in my childish heart.” Later Mary became 
matron of the McLean Asylum for the Insane in Somerville, where she 
remained thirty-five years. Here she met Mr. Columbus Tyler and they 
were married in 1835. It was said of her: “Her skill in housewifery 
told of the olden days, and her gentle touch with the sick or the disor- 
dered mind, made her truly an angel in the house.” In 1889 she died, 
leaving her beautiful house and grounds in Somerville to the Unitarian 
church with the provision that children should always be allowed to run 
through the grounds. “ She stretcheth out her hands to the poor ; yea she 
reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She openeth her mouth with 
wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” 


OLD SPECKLE’S STEP-LADDER. 



O stairs nor ladder in the barn, 


Old Speckle to invite ; 
But every day within the loft 
Was found an egg so white, 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


So Farmer Brown resolved to watch 
(This tale he will endorse) ; 

Old Speckle used for half-way rest 
The back of his gray horse. 


ANECDOTES OF TOADS. 


PRESIDENT HILL, of Harvard fame, 
Amusing stories told 
About the toads, and how much food 
A hungry one could hold. 


He threw of squash-bugs to a toad. 
Beside his cottage door. 

Three fat ones, following these at once 
With even twenty more. 


All disappeared; but Mr. Toad 
Began to writhe and squirm ; 

For squash-bugs have, alive or dead. 
More corners than a worm. 


Then nest of high-tailed worms he spied 
Upon a tree hard by; 

Half-grown, they seemed a rich dessert 
On this old toad to try. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


1 16 


They seemed to ease the corners sharp, 
Of bugs he ate before ; 

He tossed them down, and seemed to ask 
For twice as many more. 

Then, like a turnip flat, his sides 
Began to swell and puff ; 

And his closed lips now plainly said ; 

“ Of food I’ve had enough.” 

Still the good doctor dangled worms 
His greedy eyes before. 

Persuading him it would not count 
If he should take one more. 

For toads to gorge, the doctor urged. 
Could scarce be called a sin ; 

His friends, enjoying the fun. 

Could only “ sit and grin.” 

Then from temptation he withdrew. 
Beneath the steps, — alive, — 

Although he carried ’neath his vest. 

Of worms just ninety-five. 

Days passed, and yet the glutton tarried 
In silence out of sight ; 


STORIES TREE AND FANCIES NEW. II 

Till it seemed doubtful if he e’er 
Emerged again to light. 

The third day drawing to its close, 

Brought out old Mr. Toad, 

As fresh and hearty as before 
He carried off that load. 

And five and seventy hours it took 
His stomach to digest 

Those bugs and worms, and smooth the front 
Of his decreasing vest. 

And no resentment did he show. 

No grain of malice bore ; 

But sat upright, and seemed to say : 

“ I’m waiting for some more.” 


One day the genial doctor found 
A worm so fat and long, 

He thought for e’en his toad ’twould prove 
Too powerful and strong. 

At first he seemed to hesitate ; 

’Twas only to make sure 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Which end was head, and which was tail, 
So better to endure. 

(Head first a worm slides easily. 

And pulling back proves slow ; 

And toads learn by experience 
Each vantage-ground to know.) 

Then with his sticky tongue he placed 
The head far down his throat ; 

The beauty spots swelled visibly 
Upon his mottled coat. 

So inch by inch he gulped, then shut 
His lips so tight and firm 

Upon his prey, that all seemed lost 
To that disgusted worm. 

But as those jaws grew tired, that worm 
Began to squirm and play ; 

Till soon the tide of battle seemed 
To turn the other way. 

But toad proved equal to the call 
Upon his latent strength; 

His writhing victim owned that he 
Had found his match at length. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


I 


Sir Toad he gulped, and then he clutched 
With strong hind foot a link, 

Beneath that skin so smooth and tough ; 
’Twas very smart, I think. 

A gulp — a clutch — thus every inch 
At length retired from view ; 

And men whose word’s their bond can vouch 
This wondrous tale is true. 


Another story : Toadie’s throat 
Has little power to swallow; 

And with a morsel long, success 
Is not so sure to follow. 

And then against a stone he’ll push ; 
Sometimes against a stick. 

If he can find one thick and strong. 

Or e’en a welcome brick. 

One day a half grown toad secured 
A hopper long as he. 

And not a stone to push against 
Around the yard could see. 

He pushed the ground, but only made 
A long and useless furrow. 


120 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


As if in dear old mother earth, 

He vainly sought to burrow. 

At angle sharp, he raised on high 
Those chubby, little hips; 

Still half the length of grasshopper 
Protruded from his lips. 

Looking around, no help he saw; 

So then he threw his pair 
Of hindmost legs, with all his might. 
Right upward in the air. 

So now he stood upon his head ; 

Or rather, I should say, 

Upon the legs of grasshopper, — 
Seeing no better way. 

This effort proved a great success ; 

Hopper was pushed along 
To lower regions, where such food 
Should properly belong. 

Thus instinct and necessity 
E’en little toads will teach. 

Results that seem to them remote. 
Inventive powers may reach. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


I2I 


KATY DID, KATY DIDN’T. 

OAID little Prue: “ Now tell me true, 
Why every summer night. 

From out the trees, on evening breeze, 

I hear in waning light, — 

CHORUS. 

“ ‘ Katy did, Katy didn’t, 

Katy did, Katy didn’t } ’ ” 

Have you not heard, my little bird. 

That many years ago 

They quarrelled sore, a month or more } 
You surely ought to know. — Cho. 

The daughter of the Dewdrop King, 
Her pretty name was Kate ; 

The bottle broke, in which she took 
The dew, — it had no mate. — Cho. 

The weary flowers, they bore for hours 
A wretched state of thirst; 

When, on the ear, from far and near. 
This sound the silence burst. — Cho. 

Altho’ so bright the moon that night. 
Not every one could see, 


122 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW, 


When pretty Kate came out so late, 

Why tears stood in her e’e. — Cho. 

Some said ’twas art, some took her part. 

And such a din arose ! 

But right or wrong, their evening song 
Disturbed the Queen’s repose. — Cho. 

That justice clear might soon appear. 

The Fairy Queen did sit 

Upon her own impartial throne. 

While fays around did flit. — Cho. 

“ Now silence all, both great and small. 

While I shall try this case.” 

But not a word I’m sure they heard. 

For to her very face, — Cho. 

Then said the Queen, “ Was ever seen 
Such disrespect before 1 

Now from the ground, whence comes this sound. 
You’re banished evermore.” — Cho. 

The evening breeze into the trees 
The disputants did take ; 

There every night, with all their might. 

Their serenade they make. — Cho. 


STO/^/ES TREE AND FANCIES NEW. 


123 


Till they repent their rage misspent, 

And humbly this confess, 

No more, alas, upon the grass. 

For festive dance they dress. — Cho. 

Their cousins brown can still go down 
The vale where fairies dwell ; 

And trip and prance in merry dance. 

To tunes they love so well. — Cho. 

The Queen doth say, perchance they may 
Sometime their folly see ; 

Until that time, this little rhyme 
Shows why they disagree. — Cho. 


WHY THE NAME WAS CHOSEN. 

' I "O village priest, a tender babe 
Some rustic parents brought ; 
And laid their boy within his arms. 

In garments love had wrought. 

“ ’ Tis time we had this child baptised ; 

It is for that we came.” 

“ Well,” said the parson, with a smile, 

“ Pray, what shall be his name ” 


124 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


“ Oh, sir! if you but view his face, 
You’ll see that for our son 
There’s but 07 te name that seemeth fit. 
And that is Solomon.” 

But vainly did the parson seek. 

In that sweet baby face. 

The likeness to old Israel’s king 
The parents claimed to trace. 

Imagine, then, his great surprise. 

For reasons more than one, 

When thus the riddle they explained : 

“ He’s such a solemn — un ! ” 


WITH A BISQUE FROG. 

"^^^ITH my best wishes, Charlie dear. 
The welcome postman knocks ; 
And in his hand, for Christmas cheer. 
He bears a tiny box. 

Within this box, as prisoner, 

A quadruped is seen ; 

He knows but little of the world. 

In fact, he’s very green. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


25 


But like some bipeds we have known, 
He thought himself quite wise ; 

He heeded not what mother said 
To him with streaming eyes. 

And so, in spite of her advice, 

A winter swim he took ; 

Where sparkling icicles were hung. 
Along the meadow brook. 

But when stern old Jack Frost is king. 
It is against the rule 

For any little frog to swim. 

In puddle, brook, or pool. 

Jack’s royal spear with anger shook; 
He blew an icy blast. 

That chilled poor froggie to the bone. 
And froze him stiff and fast. 

No friends were near to bring relief 
In his most sorry plight ; 

For safety, ’neath protecting mud. 
They’d vanished out of sight. 

So here he lies, a captive held 
In chains he dares not break ; 


126 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


While old Jack Frost in triumph reigns, 
And could such vengeance take. 

But place your ear against his breast, 

And you may hear him sing: 

“ Tho’ conquered now, my voice shall ring 
Defiance in the spring.” 


THE JEW’S-HARP SERENADE. 


“ While we play on the Jew’s-harp we'll sell you pop-corn." 


J^^ING-TANG, ting-tang, ting-tang-tee! 
Happy little boys are we. 

Listen to our merry song; 

Peep within our basket strong. 

Ting-tang, ting-tang, ting-tang-tee I 
Heaps of snowy corn you’ll see. 

Corn we planted, corn we hoed. 

Corn we plucked, a jolly load. 

Ting-tang, ting-tang, ting-tang-tee I 
Here’s a pint for pennies three. 

Never corn was half so white 
As the corn we sell to-night. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


127 


Let our tasks be short or long, 

We will brighten them with song ; 
Ting-tang, ting-tang, ting-tang-tee! 
Jolly little boys are we 1 


BARBERRIES. 



[1 around the beuterry bush 
The Cin^ damsels flew; 

Theip garments like the snow flake. 
Their ribbons fresh and new 


hey saw the ruby berries. 

And also saw the thorn. 

But gazed until, without them. 
They thought themselves forlorn. 


E ^o Jessie brought a ladder, 
■ And Annie held it up. 

And Jessie crept up on it 
To fill her little cup. 


f Jessie and of Annie 
My story had been longer 
And fewer bitter tears been shed 
Had Annie's arms been stronger. 


V- 


128 


STO/i/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


WHY OLD TOWSER DIED. 

^^LD Towser, honest dog, we kept 
For years upon the farm ; 

And if our treasures were assailed, 

He gave a quick alarm. 

Papa declared it was not best 
To take the dog to town ; 

And so, each fall, the dog was left 
Within the cottage brown. 

’Twas very hard for Towser then 
To see his loved ones go ; 

And little Harry wept, that they 
Should treat dear Towser so. 

But Towser knew his master’s kin. 
Who lived in Mattapan ; 

And, when deserted in the fall. 

For their protection ran. 

Domestic virtues rarely thrive. 

While o’er the earth they roam. 

In men without a country. 

Or dogs without a home. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


129 


The rolling stone, the proverb says, 
Will never gather moss; 

And Towser, as the years passed by. 
Grew old, and very cross. 

One autumn, through the spicy leaves. 
He took his weary way. 

Arriving at his winter home. 

At close of frosty day. 

His eyes were sad, his heart was sore. 
And heavy as a log, 

When on his ears there fell this cry : 

“ There comes that horrid dog.” 

One sad, reproachful look he gave. 
Then turned upon his track ; 

His heart was crushed, and to that cot 
Old Towser ne’er came back. 

A few days later, in the pond. 

Some boys old Towser found ; 

For without love he could not live, 
And so leaped in and drowned. 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 

HARRY’S QUESTION. 

T TARRY, with his youthful auntie, 
Merrily was playing ball ; 

Now up the stairs, then down again, 
Bounding through the lower hall. 

Flying through the open doorway, — 
Smelling fun, as doggies can, — 

Leaped another, — frisky Rover, — 

Seized the ball, and off he ran. 

All the air was full of laughter; 

Through the orchard dashed the three ; 
In that race the dog was victor, 

Ev’ry one could plainly see. 

Now, among the nodding clover. 

Weaving garlands fresh and bright. 
Auntie Belle is telling stories ; 

Harry listening with delight. 

Soon we hear this eager question. 

As, with love, he nearer drew : 

“ Auntie Belle, are your eyes new ones } 
How they sparkle ! Are they new ? ” 





HARRY'S QUESTION 





STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


133 


MUSTARD AND CUSTARD. 

what ’S that I see in Teddy’s hands .f* 
Is it delicious custard } 

The colour has my eyes deceived ; 

It is a cup of mustard. 

And now he paints his birthday plate, 
With stripes of glowing yellow; 

His mug and spoon then have their share, 
While laughs this little fellow. 

Soon every dish, within his reach. 

Glows like the west at eve ; 

And then, that he can paint no more, 
Makes little Teddy grieve. 

A moment Teddy sits in doubt; 

And then, with courage bold. 

His plump and dimpled little arms 
Are changed to arms of gold. 

Ah me, that sorrow e’er should come 
From such a pretty art ! 

But soon those tender little arms 
With pain begin to smart. 


134 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Then Teddy’s little yellow fist 
Is rubbed in Teddy’s eyes; 

The screams, that rend his mother’s heart, 
Would reach the azure skies. 

The hasty bath, the soothing oil. 

Are followed by a custard ; 

But Teddy never more, I ween, 

Will paint with yellow mustard. 


THE RIGHT SHOE. 

" "HERE was a sweet lady, so I have been told. 

Who once lived in a shoe that never grew old ; 
Though children were plenty, the shoe was ne’er tight, 
For each lad and lassie tried hard to do right. 

They were early to bed and early to rise. 

And they studied so hard they all became wise ; 

Their mother was happy to keep them in sight. 

And the reason is plain, — they always did right. 

They never replied to her bidding : “ I sha’n’t ; ” 

And all would have scorned this sad answer ; “ I can’t.” 
Their books were untorn, their faces shone bright ; 

To keep them quite clean they all knew was but right. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


135 


I’m sure they remembered to say : “ If you please; ” 
And that quickly they sprang her burdens to ease ; 
So gladly she sang from the morning till night, 

This mother of children who tried to do right. 

When evening was come, they were tucked into bed, 
With a hug and a kiss, by their mother, who said ; 

“ Dear Father, I pray keep my darlings till light. 

And bless all dear children who try to do right.” 

Now many a mother, with room and to spare. 

Is weary with labour, and burdened with care ; 

So, children, be thoughtful ; I’m sure that you might 
Make happy each home, if you strive to do right. 


THE GOLDEN RULE. 

'\JELLIE and Sue were cousins twain. 

Who loved each other dearly ; 
Sometimes they played, and sometimes fought ; 
Such things will happen queerly. 

For though the Golden Rule we teach. 

With such unceasing labour. 

We’re apt to find each loves himself 
Far better than his neighbour. 


136 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


One day their pretty games were spoiled 
By that disturber, — Self ; 

Each threatening to remove her toys, 
And lay them on the shelf. 

A voice was heard, “To others be. 

Dear children, kind and true ; 

In all your play, as you would wish 
That others be to you.” 

Then one, supposing her mamma 
Had her alone in view. 

Gave of that precious Golden Rule 
A version strange and new. 

“ Be kind to others, cousin dear. 

That is the rule, you see ; 

So drop at once those pretty toys. 

And give them all to me.” 

The laugh that followed made her blush. 
And hang her head for shame ; 

And soon her quivering lips confessed : 

“ I also was to blame.” 


STOJ?/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 

HOW DICK FOUND THE CAT. 

had a dog, whose name was Dick ; 
We had a pale-faced cat; 

They played and romped and slept as one ; 
Now what d’you think of that } 

White-face was missing from our home 
Two lonely nights and days ; 

The way our Dick found kitty-cat 
Deserves our warmest praise. 

“ Where’s puss ? ” I cried ; “ Find kitty, Dick. 

He bounded from his chair. 

With quiv’ring body all alert. 

And forehead seamed with care. 

Then through the open door he dashed. 

And through the neighb’ring shed ; 

But White-face could not there be found ; 

We feared that puss was dead. 

Then out of sight he disappeared ; 

With bated breath I waited 
For his return with little puss ; 

Not long was he belated. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


He came in haste, but what a state 
Our little dog was in ! 

He wriggled so I almost feared 
That he would shed his skin. 

“ Did you find kitty, Dick ? ” said I. 
Oh, how that dog did caper ! 

He whined and double shuffle danced. 
Upon those legs so taper. 

He led, I followed, round the barn. 

And over fences three ; 

Then through a window low he leaped. 
Too small, alas, for me. 

A tier of boxes ’gainst the wall 
For poultry’s use arose ; 

And standing upright, in a box 
Dick thrust his funny nose. 

“Is kitty there ” He fairly howled. 
That I should doubt his word. 

“ Then come for Henry ! ” He obeyed 
My voice as soon as heard. 

And Henry found our wounded puss. 
Secreted in that box ; 



HOW DICK FOUND THE CAT 




STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


141 


For she had stepped within a trap, 

Laid for some sly old fox. 

And never boy ran so fast, 

Or brought a cat so quick ; 

And never was a happier dog 
Than our dear, faithful Dick. 

We know that kitty breathed her last 
Among her kith and kin ; 

But sad our hearts, — we ne’er shall know 
What land Dick lies within. 

We trusted him for half an hour 
To an unfaithful boy ; 

For pennies nine he sold our pet. 

That was our greatest joy. 

And patter, patter, fell our tears. 

Like early April rain ; 

But to the friends that loved him so, 

Dick ne’er appeared again. 

Dear little heart, so full of love. 

Whose loss we still bewail. 

My castles all I’d give to see 
The wag of your curly tail. 


142 STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 

OUR ROBIN. 

A NOBLE oak, of kingly size, 

Within our garden stood ; 

As grand a tree as Eden held 

When God pronounced it “ good.” 

And ere the earliest daffodils 
Were nodding in the spring. 

From naked branches of the oak 
We heard the robins sing. 

Then bits of twine and dainty crumbs 
We spread upon the ground ; 

For where God’s robins make their home. 

His blessing will abound. 

They built their nests and raised their young 
They watched each bud and flower ; 

They filled the air with music sweet, 

Each gladsome summer hour. 

When our abundant strawberry crop 
Made glad expectant eyes. 

We welcomed all our robin friends 
To share the luscious prize. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


143 


I knew our pretty robins, dear, 

Were fond of strawberries red ; 

But there’ll be quite enough for us, 
And all the birds, I said. 

But Father Robin played a trick, — 
A robin’s way of joking, — 

That made my lad and lassie sad ; 

He really was provoking. 

That he might mend his saucy ways, 
And learn to treat us better, 

I hung a card beside the vines. 

On which I wrote this letter: 

“ Dear, naughty Robin Redbreast, 
’Tis clear you’ve been about. 

And from my largest strawberries 
You’ve bit a sample out. 

“ You know I’d give you willingly 
A full and gen’rous share; 

But nipping every one that’s ripe 
Is not what I call fair.” 

Bob Robin heeded not a bit. 

But sauntered at his leisure. 


144 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 



ROBIN REDBREAST. 


And every scarlet cheek he saw, 
He nibbled at his pleasure. 

Since moral suasion did no good, 
To curb this gay marauder, 

Over the strawberry vines I spread 
A net, as wide and broader. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


145 


I saw ’twixt Bobby’s will and mine 
Would be a lively tussle; 

And, listening at the window, heard 
The leaves begin to rustle. 

And Robin Redbreast there I saw — 
The cunning little fellow — 

Had found a way beneath the net. 

To pick the fruit so mellow. 

His eager bill the berries pressed, 
While o’er his bosom red 

The luscious juice ran trickling down, 
In many a crimson thread. 

So, while he feasted right and left, 
Without so much as “ Please,” 

I slipped around the lilac-bush. 
Creeping upon my knees. 

Then, ere those little eyes could blink, 
I twitched the net around him ; 

And dainty Bob was prisoned fast. 
Securely I had bound him. 

I brought the rogue within the house. 
And set him on the table ; 


146 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 


And there I showed him how he’d sinned, 
As well as I was able. 

But Bobbie trusted in my love ; 

We’d lived so long together, 

He knew I’d only preach to him. 

Nor harm one pretty feather. 

His saucy head he held upright ; 

He winked his merry eye ; 

And proved, indoors as well as out. 

My patience he could try. 

“ If I will open wide my hand. 

And freely let you go. 

Will you keep off my strawberry bed .? ” 
The little thief said : “ No ! ” 

“ Then will you eat the ones you touch. 
And let alone all other } ” 

He opened wide his fruit-stained bill, 

But all I heard was, “ Bother ! ” 

Then, seriously, upon my face 
He cast a searching look ; 

Recalling facts in history. 

That all my courage shook. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 

For mem’ry said : “ Have you forgot 
That once a pretty pair 

Of tender babes owed burial 
To Robin’s tender care? 

“ And ever since the world was made, 

It has been Nature’s plan 

That birds should sing, and for it share 
All fruits of earth with man. 

“ If God’s dear little robins pick 
More fruit sometimes for dinner 

Than they can eat, — have you ne’er been 
Yourself as great a sinner ? ” 

My heart was touched ; suspicious drops 
Were twinkling in my eye ; 

And so I hastened to the door. 

And let the darling fly. 


One word, dear children, ere we part: 

Keep “ Love ” upon your banners ; 
For when dear robin came next year, 
He had most charming manners. 


148 STOJ^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 

THE CAT’S DREAM OF PARADISE. 

A S I lay in the parlour before the warm fire, 

Curled up on the softest of fur ; 

With my toes out of sight, and my tail about right. 

How sweet was my musical purr ! 

My dinner of fish I had eaten with zest ; 

I had plenty of cream on my milk ; 

I had combed out my whiskers, and licked down my fur. 
Till it shone like a garment of silk. 

Now I’ve lived in this house ever since I was born. 

And I know every tile on the roof ; 

But that half of its treasures I never had seen. 

Very soon I’d remarkable proof. 

For, if you’ll believe me, a door opened wide. 

Right there, ’fore my wondering eyes ; 

And, sooner by far than it takes me to tell it, 

I had entered the cat’s paradise. 

A pond in the centre held fishes of gold. 

But often they swam on the land. 

Now they skimmed through the water and shone in 
the sun ; 

Now they danced on their tails in the sand. 



THE cat’s dream OF PARADISE. 






STOJi/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


I5I 

They smiled when they saw me, and leaped to my feet, 
And begged to be eaten at once ; 

I lunched on the biggest and fattest one there. 

But thought him a pitiful dunce. 

Then I turned for a walk, but I found I had wings. 

So I flew to the top of a tree ; 

There were Tommies and Tabbies, with emerald eyes, 
And kittens of every degree. 

The fruit on that tree I shall never forget ; 

Rich clusters of gray little mice, 

While all the large branches were laden with rats; 

They all seemed quite tender and nice. 

I looked for the birds I had envied so oft, 

And wondered where they could be found ; 

When every cat there giggled rudely aloud. 

And pointed its tail to the ground. 

There, walking demurely, alone or in pairs. 

Were the robins, the wrens, and the jays ; 

Their wings were all clipped ; and right there in the 
grass 

Lay their nests ; — what new-fashioned ways ! 

The fish I’d enjoyed ; now I longed for a bird, 

So I sprang from the tree with a bound ; 


52 


STORIES TRUE AJVD FANCIES NEW. 


But my wings I forgot ; they were caught by a branch ; 
And I fell, with a thud, to the ground. 

When I opened my eyes, and recovered my breath, 

I lay there on that softest of fur, 

With my toes out of sight, and my tail about right. 

But sad was my sorrowful purr. 

For had I but eaten the mice on the tree. 

Or dined on a corpulent rat, 

A happy old pussy-cat-mew I had been. 

Curled up on that beautiful mat. 

Since then, I have hunted from cellar to roof. 

Have peeped in each crevice and seam. 

And still I am seeking that magical door, — 

I’ll never believe ’twas a dream ! 

But one thing consoles me : although for the past 
It may be quite useless to wish ; 

Though I caught not a bird, a rat, or a mouse, 
fm glad I made sure of the fish. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


153 


FANNY’S TRUE STORY. 

jpROM my window in Granada, 

Gazing through the window-pane, 

Many curious things I witnessed 
In that sunny land of Spain. 

Since the happy days I spent there, 

I have travelled many a mile ; 

But a funny little dog there 
Still provokes a merry smile. 

He was petted, loved, and cherished. 
And a palace was his home ; 

But among forbidden pleasures 
It was his delight to roam. 

Stolen fruit to him was sweeter 
Than to eat from plates of gold. 

And his birthright for some pottage 
By this prodigal was sold. 

For the garbage man he waited. 
Popped into the empty pail ; 

Lost to view this happy doggie. 

All except his curly tail. 


154 


STOJ^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Down the hill the pail went rolling ; 

To its sides the doggie clung ; 
Sweeter far than royal dainties 
Were the scraps upon his tongue. 

But I learned to love the rascal, 
Eating refuse on the sly ; 

And to hope the valet scrubbed him 
Ere he met his master’s eye. 

So while mem’ry turns the pictures 
Of that happy year, ’tis plain, 

I shall smile the sketch to see there, 
Of that naughty dog in Spain. 


THE AUTUMN LEAF. 

MAPLE leaf, in autumn. 

Whose cheeks still redder grew, 
Upon a neighb’ring hemlock 
Disdainful glances threw. 

Her own increasing beauty 
Had turned her silly head ; 

And, heedless of its meaning. 

Thus scornfully she said : 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


155 


“You’ve worn that tiresome costume 
The livelong summer through ; 

’Tis time now frost approaches 
To shine in colours new.” 

So in the pool below her 

She gazed with haughty mien, 

And thought the leaves around her 
Should own her as their queen. 

She flirted with the breezes, 
Coquetted with the wave ; 

And then, to all in hearing. 

She cried in accents brave : 

“ Pray look upon my beauty, 

A favoured leaf am I ; 

My coat of many colours. 

Is of the richest dye.” 

To see her face reflected. 

She turned and twisted oft ; 

Till from the branch that held her 
She tore her stem so soft. 

She tossed her head and mounted 
Gladly to try her wing. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


And thought herself a birdling, 

That soon would learn to sing. 

The silly, simple creature, 

She aimed to reach the sky. 

And cried, “ My fettered sisters, 

I gladly say good-bye.” 

But short her upward journey. 

And swift her downward fall; 

And soon, from off the water. 
Beneath the hemlock tall. 

Her boastful voice ascended, 

“ Who has such gifts as I .? 

In gorgeous robes I shine, — 

Then in the air I fly. 

“ Now, skimming o’er the water, 

I sail like any boat ; 

Oh, who would linger yonder. 

That on this stream could float } ” 

Then spoke the sturdy hemlock : 

“ You simple little leaf. 

These changes that you welcome. 
Are bringing you but grief. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


157 


“Your days are surely numbered, 

But I am ever green.” 

A sigh — a bubble — nevermore 
This silly leaf was seen. 

Oh trust not to your brilliant wit, 
Your wealth or noble birth ; 

The meek, so said our gracious Lord, 
Shall still possess the earth. 


JACK AND JILL. 

J ACK and Jill, with right good-will. 
Cut sweetest grass and clover ; 
Every day, in merry play. 

They gaily tossed it over. 

Keen their fun, while bright the sun. 
In this impromptu farming ; 

Soon the sky, once blue and high. 
Gave signs that were alarming. 

Then said Jack, “ Alas ! Alack ! 

Do see the black clouds lower ! ” 

“ Yes,” said Jill, “ I’se ’fraid it will 
Be wet, if there’s a shower.” • 


STO/^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Jill and Jack took from the rack 
Mamma’s new silk umbrella ; 
Saved their hay, but to this day 
I’ve never heard them tell her. 


POLLY EATS RAW ONIONS. 

pOLLY, Polly, pretty Polly, 

In her cage of lacquer. 

Calls to every passer-by 
For a bit of cracker. 

Polly, Polly, pretty Polly, 

If you will believe me. 

Wants a treat you’ll never guess. 
Or my ears deceive me. 

Polly, Polly, pretty Polly, 

Look out for your claw. 

For I’m rolling, through your cage, 
An onion, strong and raw. 

Polly, Polly, pretty Polly, 

Stops not for good manners ; 

While her pretty feathers wave 
Like some beauteous banners. 


I 



ft 


JACK AND JILL. 






.j 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEJV. i6l 

Polly, Polly, pretty Polly, 

With her claw she grasps it; 

Naught that we can do or say 
Will make her unclasp it. 

Polly, Polly, pretty Polly, 

Heeds no word of ours. 

While the spicy, pungent bulb, 

She eagerly devours. 

Polly, Polly, pretty Polly, 

Eats in place of screaming ; 

While adown her hooked nose 
Floods of tears are streaming. 


THE MAGIC WHEEL. 

T WONDER not the Arab shields 
His steed beneath his roof. 

Of kinship, to his master’s heart. 

He gives abundant proof. 

When proudly on his willing back 
His master dear he bears, 

A cord unseen unites the twain ; 

The horse man’s reason shares. 


i 62 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Though not a word the rider speaks, 
Each impulse of his will 

In leaps electric thrills the beast, 

His purpose to fulfil. 

From earliest youth my heart has cried: 
“ Give me such pleasure keen ; ” 

But still, in answer to my prayer, 

No prancing steed I’ve seen. 

But lo ! when sorest is my need. 

To cheer my riper years. 

In beauty ’fore my ravished eyes 
My “ winged horse ” appears. 

A courser fleet — of temper tried — 

And all my pulses thrill. 

As swift he bears me o’er the road 
Obedient to my will. 

No groom he asks — no food requires — 
For self he takes no thought ; 

To find his life in saving mine 
The spirit he has caught. 

How he interprets all my moods 
Not clearly is revealed ; 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 163 


Responsive to my lightest touch, 

From curious eyes concealed. 

When spreading landscapes court my gaze, 
He gently glides and slow ; 

While I enjoy each bird and flower. 

And watch the streamlets flow. 

I speak no word to change his course. 

But when I’d cease to linger. 

He flies to north, or east, or south. 

At motion of my finger. 

If clouds arise, and through the air 
The threatening rain-drops plash. 

To bear me safely to my home 
He speeds with lightning dash. 

Of friendship firm, devotion pure. 

He gives abundant proof ; 

So, like the Arab with his steed. 

My “ cycle ” shares my roof. 


164 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES NEW. 


THE ADOPTED SQUIRREL. 

GROUP of merry children, 

All eager for a rhyme, 

Demand that I begin it 
With “ Once upon a time.” 

Beth says, “ I want a true one,” 

And Rob : “ Please make it funny ; ” 
And so I tell my darlings 
This story of dear Bunny. 

Once on a time, a naughty boy 
Climbed a majestic oak, 

Where dwelt some pretty squirrels. 
And played a sorry joke 

Upon the absent mother. 

By taking from her nest 
A soft, gray squirrel baby. 

To hide within his breast. 

He slid along the branches. 

That barked his tender shin. 

While conscience whispered loudly : 

“ Fie, Louis, what a sin ! ” 


STO/i/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


^65 


He hastened to the hayloft, 

Where puss had kittens five; 

For ’mong those furry darlings, 
Thought he, my pet will thrive. 

But lest the patient mother — 

Who oddly was named Bridget — 

Should count her fam’ly over, 

And get into a fidget. 

He took away a kitten. 

With fur as soft as lace. 

And put his little Bunny 
In that dear kitten’s place. 

Then home comes Mother Bridget, 
Right glad they’re all alive ; 

She washes them and kisses them. 

Her pretty kittens five. 

We’ve read of barnyards plenty. 

Where ducks by hens were hatched. 

But ne’er in them, no, never. 

Was Bridget’s misery matched. 

For long before her kittens 

Had oped their round blue eyes. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


1 66 


The tricks of little Bunny 
Had filled her with surprise. 

When, with a bounteous breakfast, 
Each baby had been fed. 

Then Bridget strictly charged them 
To stay within their bed. 

But softly, slyly, Bunny 
Followed upon her track; 

And when she boxed him soundly. 

He leaped upon her back. 

Then by the neck she seized him. 
And bore the truant home, 

And with his sisters laid him, 
Forbidding him to roam. 

But when in mad carousal 
He’d worn their patience out. 

And tumbled them and worried them 
In many a lively bout. 

He’d leap through open window. 

And, scamp’ring down the trees. 

He’d whisk about and frisk about. 
Raising a lively breeze. 


SrOJi/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


167 


And when their mother hurried home, 

To give her pets their dinner, 

He bit their tails, and kicked them out, — 
The playful little sinner. 

Faster and stronger than the kits, 

The little rascal grew; 

And soon that nuts were good to eat. 

This funny kitten knew. 

In vain his mother warned him 
Of miseries in store. 

And indigestion’s fiery pangs ; 

He only ate the more. 

And when, in accents tender, 

More earnestly she spoke. 

He cracked the nuts before her face. 

With many a lively joke. 

Then, with a loving, tender purr. 

She led him to the dish 

From which his sisters gladly ate 
Delicious bits of fish. 

But Bunny curled his dainty lips. 

And higher arched his tail ; 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


1 68 


Not e’en with mice, or tender birds, 
Could her fond arts prevail. 

Yet Bridget loved dear Bunny 
More than his sisters four. 

And with his gay and saucy pranks 
Most patiently she bore. 

Her eyes grew proud and rounder, 
When o’er his back he curled 

That tail, so long and bushy, 

The prettiest in the world. 

But squirrels are not kittens. 

However much you praise them; 

And they’ll act out their natures. 
However you may raise them. 

He challenged mother pussy 
To catch him on the lawn ; 

But all in vain she chased him, 

At eve or dewy morn ; 

Almost would Bridget seize him. 
Amid a lively race. 

When Bunny, doubling, swept his tail 
Across her ’stonished face. 



THE ADOPTED SQUIRREL, 






STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


171 


Then back and forth o’er pussy’s head, 
This lively Bunny leaped ; 

While, through each crevice in the fence. 
The merry children peeped. 

“ Hurrah ! hurrah ! ” they shouted. 

As puss laid back her ears. 

And spit, and struck the empty air, 

Amid resounding cheers. 

Then gazed in silent wonder. 

This Bridget on her child ; 

Her body lost its roundness. 

Her amber eyes grew wild. 

One morning, on the doorstep. 

Puss gave a knowing nod. 

And there resolved that Bunny 
Should feel the chastening rod. 

Then softly creeping forward. 

She sharply cuffed his ears ; 

We laughed, it was so funny. 

Till eyes were full of tears. 

One flying leap, — and Bunny 
Was chattering in the trees, — 


172 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


And then the little rascal 

Returned, poor puss to tease. 

Without a moment’s warning, 

Upon her back he rode ; 

While mother puss strove vainly 
To throw the unwelcome load. 

Down, down, they rolled together. 
And Bunny made her prance. 

Till Bridget wished her offspring 
Were off in sunny France. 

Then, like unruly children. 

In homes we sometimes find. 

Bunny declared his mother 
Could never make him mind. 

And mother puss was glad to crawl 
Beneath the house to rest ; 

While thoughts, too big for utterance, 
She hid within her breast. 

But Louis loved the squirrel. 

And taught him tricks galore, — 

And Bunny loved his master; 

And when, from cottage door. 


STOI^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


173 


He heard his soft, low whistle, 

And, “ Bunny, Bunny, dear ! ” 

He ran up on his shoulder. 

Without a thought of fear. 

And crept in Louis’ pockets. 

Where sugar oft he found ; 

And then, with many a loving pat. 

He hid it in the ground. 

But oh, when, on the table. 

Our Bunny spied the butter. 

With dainty bites he’d help himself. 

In spite of Bridget’s mutter. 

The half it never can be told. 

Of Bunny’s pretty ways, — 

How once he played the truant. 

From home for many days ; 

And then, at night, returning late, 
When all had gone to rest. 

He sought the fragrant hayloft. 

And made a cosy nest. 

Then with “ Good-morning tap-a-tap,” 
Upon the window-pane. 


174 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW, 


Where Louis slept, and kept the nuts, 
Was welcomed home again. 

Sometimes, when most mischievous, 

It put him in a rage 
Behind the bars to find himself 
Imprisoned in a cage. 

Now, Beth, this tale’s a true one, 

And Rob must own ’tis funny ; 

And oft I wish that now we owned 
A pet as sweet as Bunny. 


OUR CHERRY-TREE. 


promise of a bounteous crop, 
Our cherry-tree was weighted ; 
And from the day that fruit was ripe, 

All sorts of treats we dated. 


For cherry pudding, cherry pie. 

And tarts heaped high with cherry, 
Or cherries eaten from the tree, 
Would make us all so merry. 

But hidden in that cherry-tree, 

Robin had built his nest ; 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


175 


And he had kept those cherries round 
Free from each living pest. 

He’d trained his little family 
To eat the cherries’ foes ; 

As many bugs each bird must kill, 

Each hour, as they had toes. 

Each baby robin killed as bid, 

With all his little might ; 

Then claimed his share of luscious fruit, 
As all must own was right. 

And while we waited for the fruit. 

Dear Bob had not been idle ; 

No fear of pain or doctor’s bills. 

His appetite could bridle. 

He’d counted ev’ry blossom white. 

And counted all the cherries, 

And loved those crimson cheeks to bite. 
As he had nipped our berries. 

Tears glistened in dear Bessie’s eyes. 
And Tommy almost hated 

The pretty robins he had loved. 

When in the spring they mated. 


176 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


But ere the sun sank in the west, 

And kindly dew descended, 

More tender, loving thoughts prevailed. 
And all resentment ended. 

For both agreed that Robin’s song. 

And pretty ways bewitching. 

Were worth a thousand cherry-trees, 
And all their lives enriching. 

So Tommy said to Bessie dear: 

“ We’ll pardon ev’ry theft.” 

And Bess replied : “ Why shouldn’t we } 
We can’t eat all they’ve left. 

“ And, Tommy, dear, to tell the truth. 
My heart is filled with shame 
That we have been so selfish, Tom ; 
Robin is not to blame. 

For mother says the Lord who made 
The robin made the cherry ; 

And if we love and feed the birds. 

Then we can all be merry.” 


STOJ^JES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


177 



Old Ned 



Born 4-> ^^9^- 

Aged 43 . 

1897 


TTAVE you heard of Ned, the war-horse, 
Proudest of the equine race ? 

’Mong the heroes of our nation. 

Will his honoured name find place? 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEPV. 


When the hosts of General Early 
Sought our Capital to raid, 

There he lost his Southern master, 

And a “ Contraband ” was made. 

’Neath the stars and stripes he ’listed, 
Served our country in its need. 

Shared unflinchingly its hardships. 
Proved a patriot indeed. 

How his coat of ebon darkness 
Shone beneath our Northern sun ! 

How his flashing eyes grew tender. 
When a vict’ry had been won ! 

When the dreadful war was over, 
Sergeant Crawford rode him home ; 

Ne’er was horse more highly honoured, 
’Neath the arch of heaven’s blue dome. 

To the sociable reunions 

Of the dear old Army Grand, 

Comes Old Ned, the aged war-horse, 
’Mong the honoured of the land. 

Back and tail by time are grizzled. 

And his head is nearly white ; 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


179 


But a grand salute they give him, 

As fond mem Vies spring to light. 

Ned was with “ the boys ” at Pittsburg, 
And at Louisville, we note. 

Dear Old Ned was gently carried, 
’Neath our flag, upon a float. 

In his stable, like a monarch. 

He receives ovations proud ; 

North and South vie with each other. 
Old and young around him crowd. 

For a relic of the war-time. 

Women beg a single hair; 

And his fond and watchful keepers 
Choose his food with tendVest care. 

Since “ Bell Mosby ” died, this hero 
Is the last of equines brave 

That our soldiers rode to victory. 

Or to fill an honoured grave. 

Let “ Old Glory ” float above him ! 
Crown with laurels green his head ! 

For in thickest of the battle. 

With our bravest, he has bled. 


i8o 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


WAR WITH SPAIN. 

1898. 

Dear old Ned ! the trump of battle 

Reached his ears, and thrilled his heart ; 

And his equine soul was yearning 
In the war to take his part. 

When the strains of martial music 
Filled the air, he danced with glee ; 

Flashed his eyes with old-time splendour, 
As he caught the name of “ Lee.” 

“ Past the age ! ” the surgeon shouted. 

And he quivered as in pain ; 

For against the haughty Spaniard 
He can never serve, ’tis plain. 

Then the news of Dewey’s vict’ry 
Came across the deep blue sea. 

When the stars, in all their courses. 
Fought ’neath banner of the free. 

This seemed all his spirit needed. 

For a joyous, swift release ; 

One fond look at dear “ Old Glory,” 

And the war-horse slept in peace. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 

HOW WE WENT TOBOGGANING. 

TN Canada, where loyal hearts 
Do homage to the Queen, 

When winter reigns, rare sports on snow 
And crystal ice are seen. 

My Cousin Madge and I were there. 
When these were at their height. 

Though farther south, in Yankee land. 
Our eyes first saw the light. 

’Twas in the sixties, and our hearts 
Rejoiced one day to see 

Two Gen’rals, who had won their spurs 
To make our country free. 

We took them out tobogganing. 

Which they enjoyed with zest ; 

With such distinguished company. 

We wore our very best. 

Lest I the names should here divulge 
Of heroes brave and true, 

ril call our dear and honoured guests 
Just Generals one and two. 


STORIES TREE AND EANC/ES NEW. 

Now number one a giant was, 

Of stature grand and tall ; 

But number two, beside the first. 

Might seem a trifle small. 

The latter took his little birch. 

And, waving us good-bye. 

Flew down Gibb’s hill, so steep and long. 
Which made our party sigh. 

For we were three, and long our craft. 
And none of us were wise. 

In sports like this, to guide the way 
Where path of safety lies. 

But could we brook the challenge keen.'* 
Not so; we would away! 

What one has done, then three can do. 
Hurrah! who says us nay? 

Madge took the lead, with courage bold ; 
Then Jessie, — that was I ; 

And then our gallant General, 

To do or nobly die. 

The hill was long to look upon. 

And steep ; then out of sight 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


183 


It curved, and towards the valley ran, 
But naught could us affright. 

Our faith was strong ; experience small ; 
But our ambition great ; 

And soon, like lightning, our frail craft 
Seemed rushing to its fate. 

The grade, the ice, the weight above. 
Our peril all enhanced ; 

While madly towards the fatal curve 
Our gay toboggan danced. 

Beside the road, and near the curve. 
With grim, inviting arms, 

A broken hemlock, stark and bare, 
Filled me with wild alarms. 

No word we spoke, but at the sight 
My heart within me quailed ; 

For soon I felt our quiv’ring forms 
Would surely be impaled. 

Madge closed her eyes t’avoid the sight. 
And Jessie held her breath; 

As few the moments seemed to be 
’Tween us and cruel death. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 

A blinding crash ! the solid earth 
Seemed moving from its base ! 

And madly round our helpless forms, 
Twirled with tremendous pace. 

Our time had come ! We left that craft 
With some precipitation; 

And o’er that treacherous ice we flew, 

By laws of gravitation. 

The crisis came ; but not as we 
In terror had expected ; 

A Guiding Hand, from certain death. 
Had our swift course deflected. 

A good Samaritan had strewn 
Some ashes round that curve. 

Which caused our fleet toboggan frail 
From its mad course to swerve. 

And by some power centrifugal. 

Devoid of manners nice. 

Two frightened girls, — a General, — 
Went skimming o’er the ice. 

“ And still we live,” one voice exclaimed ; 
“ Thank God ! ” replied another ; 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


85 


“ ’Tis well this hill is out of sight 
Of friends, and home, and mother.” 

Sadder but wiser we returned 
To cottage on the hill ; 

Such perils past now amply served 
Our grateful hearts to fill. 

We counted not our aching limbs. 
Nor gowns by ashes bleached; 
Since with our lives and bones intact 
Our welcome home we reached. 


AMBITIOUS BROWNIE. 

A MBITIOUS Brownie, foolish bird, 

A little conversation heard ; 

Some one, in passing, said that she 
Was owner of a pedigree. 

A pedigree ! how did it look } 

She hastened downward to the brook, 
And in it gazed, — but naught could see 
Reflected like a pedigree. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


1 86 


“It must be in the way I walk ! ” 

So proudly she began to stalk ; 

“ If I am cold and proud,” said she, 

“ Then all will own my pedigree.” 

But while she held her head so high. 

No corn or worm could she espy; 

“ If I should stoop and scratch,” said she, 
“ I fear I’d lose my pedigree.” 

The other hens enjoyed each day. 

Took all the blessings in the way. 

And, laughing to themselves, said she 
Was welcome to her pedigree. 

But Brownie’s heart was filled with pride. 
She all her better self denied. 

Stifled each tender love, for she. 

She must maintain her pedigree. 

She hungered for her food and friends. 
But pride, to such, endurance lends ; 

And starving, dying, thus said she : 

“ I trust I’ve proved my pedigree.” 

Morals, they say, are out of date, 

But in the story I relate, 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


187 


Perchance you’ll see a small one peeping 
’Twould save some pretty eyes from weeping. 



'T^HERE was a man in Hoppertown, 
^ Who used to jump so high, 

He kept a cushion on his head, 

Lest he should hit the sky. 

But still on jumping he was bent. 

And one day jumped so far. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


1 88 


He missed the path to Mother Earth, 

And landed on a star. 

Then, after resting him a bit. 

He said, “ ’Tis very plain, 

The more I jump the more I may ; 

So I will try again.” 

He spied the “ Goat,” and, with a bound, 
He lighted on his back ; 

Harnessed the “ Dragon ” to the “ Plough,” 
Pursued the “ Lion’s ” track. 

On “ Pegasus ” he swiftly rode. 

On “ Aquila ” he flew. 

The “ Ram ” he captured by the horns. 
Bestrode old “ Taurus,” too. 

Like grasshoppers’, his legs became. 

His strength no limit knew ; 

I think each star he’ll visit yet. 

That shines in upper blue. 

And now, dear little girls and boys. 

If you will use your eyes. 

And do not go to bed too soon. 

You’ll see him in the skies. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


189 


For, on these lovely autumn nights, 
What we call shooting-stars. 

Are but the leaps this man doth make. 
Who jumped from Earth to Mars. 


JACK HIGHSPY’S ADVENTURES. 

J ACK HIGHSPY carried ’neath his crown 
The most inventive brain in town ; 

The toys he made, his tricks so wise. 

Filled all his comrades with surprise. 

He caused the mountain brook to turn 
The handle of his mother’s churn. 

To grind the coffee, turn the wheel. 

That sharpened tools of glistening steel. 

His schemes were counted by the scores. 

For doing up his mother’s chores ; 

But ’twas Jack’s chief desire to fly, 

Like birds he envied in the sky. 

And as he turned upon his bed. 

Full many a vision filled his head. 

Of sails, balloons, and various things. 

To serve for him in place of wings. 


STORIES TRUE AND EANCIES JVEIV. 


And sometimes he indulged the thought 
That education might be wrought, 

By some combined, magnetic powers. 
That century’s work should do in hours. 

He owned thus far he’d failed to find 
Machine to cram the immortal mind ; 

But had there been a way to win it. 

Jack Highspy surely had been in it. 

Jack’s mother trembled when she saw 
Her boy thus strive to evade the law. 

And saw poor Jack the adage spurning, 

“ There is no royal road to learning.” 

The mother of a boy like Jack 

Has heartaches that her neighbours lack, 

And only could her heart be light. 

When he was safe within her sight. 

But there was one in neighb’ring town. 
Who ne’er on Jack’s designs could frown; 
And this dear boy, as all could tell. 

She loved, not wisely, but too well. 

The postman brought within his sack 
An invitation to “ Dear Jack; ” 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


I9I 


By his kind aunt it had been sent, 

And to her home our hero went. 

’Twas there his daring scheme was laid, 
And there his famous kites he made ; 
Four kites they were, of giant size. 

To bear him upward to the skies. 

And these, obedient to his call. 

He fastened to a hamper tall ; 

Each corner bore a sturdy kite. 

Of mammoth size, both strong and light. 

To keep the hamper on the ground. 

Of stones he used a hundred pound ; 

He viewed with pride his “ fiery steeds,” 
And “ chariot ” pawing up the weeds. 

When auntie listened to his plan. 

She strove with confidence to scan 
His endless rope, his hamper, kites. 

And view them in most fav’ring lights. 

But courage failed, and all her hope 
She centred on that guiding rope ; 

This rope she twisted fast around 
A log that lay upon the ground. 


192 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


The other end was fastened tight, 

Within the hamper, out of sight; 

A little while she’d let him fly. 

And then she’d draw him from the sky. 

Jack looked with genuine surprise 
To see the tears in auntie’s eyes ; 

So sure he could with danger cope. 

By sliding down that flaxen rope. 

Her heart was sad dear Jack to see, 

So full of thoughtless mirth and glee ; 
When in he jumped and took his seat. 
Her cup of sorrow was complete. 

Now one stone, then another, fell 
To earth, — each seeming like a knell 
To this fond aunt, who longed to see 
Jack safe upon his mother’s knee. 

Now upward glides Jack’s wondrous car; 
New scenes he views, and hills afar ; 

He feels the rapture they confess. 

Who spell that magic word — “ Success.” 

But when his “ chariot ” left the ground. 
His aunt sprang forward with a bound. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


193 


And seized the rope, that seemed to glide 
Like sinuous serpent from her side. 

Upward she rose, and now a pair 
Of human beings swung in air ; 

While no mirage to Jack could show 
His aunt suspended there below. 

A stack of hay with gen’rous swell. 
Received her body as she fell ; 

On this she lay, o ercome with fears. 
While like a torrent flowed her tears. 

When Jack let loose his “fiery steeds,” 

He quite forgot his stomach’s needs ; 

But auntie, knowing what he’d lack. 

Had filled a box for thoughtless Jack. 

Oh, how he blessed her thoughtful care. 
When this he opened in mid-air; 
Doughnuts and cookies came to light. 
And apples filled him with delight. 

All night he’d tossed upon his bed. 

While coming ’ventures filled his head ; 
Now drowsiness began to creep. 

And Jack curled down in blissful sleep. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


When Jack awoke, the westering sun 
Told plainly that the day was done ; 

He gazed around, and rubbed his eyes ; 
The silence filled him with surprise. 

But, while he listened, on his ear 
Broke sounds that filled his soul with fear; 
Peal after peal of thunder rolled. 

While Jack was shaking with the cold. 

He wondered much, with sky so fair. 

That lightning flashes filled the air ; 

But how his heart with terror leaped. 

As o’er the hamper’s side he peeped. 

Below, rolled many an inky cloud. 

From which proceeded thunders loud; 

His kites had borne his little form 
Far, far above the deaf’ning storm. 

Then of his mother dear he thought. 

And all the holy words she’d taught ; 

He breathed a prayer, let fall a tear. 

And felt that God, indeed, was near. 

At length the lightnings ceased to play. 
The clouds grew thin, and rolled away ; 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


195 


While lonely Jack, near heaven’s blue dome, 
Grew sick at heart, and longed for home. 

But terrors past with new ones blend. 

As Jack felt his frail craft descend; 

For though he could such perils brave. 

He ne’er had wished an early grave. 

He looked above, — his kites still fly 
As proudly in the azure sky 
As on that morn he saw them rise. 

In graceful strength before his eyes. 

’Twixt hopes and fears Jack High spy wept. 
While all his trembling body crept ; 

For much he feared he could not stand 
The shock, when he should touch the land. 

Jack long ago gave up all hope 
Of sliding down that swaying rope ; 

And now he sat with bated breath. 
Expecting naught but instant death. 

When Jack had left his mother’s roof. 

Her troubled dreams each night gave proof 
Of her unquiet, anxious mind. 

Where peace she could no longer find. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


Seven days passed by, — a trying week, — 
When she set forth her boy to seek. 

She met his aunt, whose pallid face 
Made her sad heart to beat apace. 

“ Where’s Jack } ” she cried, and lost all hope, 
When auntie pointed to the rope ; 

One upward glance, — then on the floor 
She fell, and seemed to breathe no more. 

Restoratives were swiftly plied. 

And then in haste the sisters tried 
To find some person counted wise 
In plucking hampers from the skies. 

The village carpenter they tell ; 

He cried, “ The windlass at the well 
We’ll use to draw the lad to earth. 

And to the friends who know his worth.” 

With eager love the wheel they turned. 

And how their hearts within them burned 
When that frail hamper came in sight. 

And Jack, now full of courage bright. 

He swung his hat, and threw it far. 

To mother’s feet, with proud “ Hurrah! ” 


STOJi/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


197 


While she, with prayers of fervent joy, 
Reached upward arms to clasp her boy. 

No one had counted on the breeze. 

That since the storm swept through the trees ; 
It landed Jack on branches high. 

The nearest to the deep blue sky. 

Now, like his namesake in the wood, 

A Jack-in-the-pulpit there he stood; 

Yes, there he stood, — so near, — so far, — 

Till night lit up the evening star. 

Stout hands a blanket held aloft, 

’Twas new and strong, ’twas firm and soft; 
And Jack at last his car let go. 

And dropped to friendly hands below. 

But first he tied around his waist 
One kite string, lest unseemly haste 
Should mark his progress to the earth. 

And cause some urchin’s idle mirth. 

Now every villager loved Jack, 

And longed to take him on his back. 

And every voice, both near and far, 

Now rent the air with wild “ Hurrah ! ” 


igS STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


But Jack tore past th’ admiring crowd, 

That of his valour was so proud ; 

And dashing off a blinding tear, 

He knelt beside his mother dear. 

Her tender heart, — her love so deep, — 
When Jack had made that fearful leap. 

Had made her swoon, with terror dread, 

And Jack seemed kneeling by the dead. 

But joy will heal, — and when her eyes 
Had seen Jack’s face, with glad surprise, 
When she had felt beneath her head 
His arm, her mortal terror fled. 

She rose and struggled to her knees. 

And cried, “ Thank God, for joys like these ! ” 
Then laid her hand upon his head, 

“ Kneel down, my boy, praise God,” she said. 

“ I’m sorry, dear, I made you cry,” 

Said Jack; “ I only meant to fly; 

But I am glad that my own eyes 
Have seen such wonders in the skies.” 

Then auntie said, “ We’ve had such showers ! 
But you are dry ; now, by the powers. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


199 


How did you keep your clothing dry, 
And kites unspoiled up there on high ? ” 

“ Why, auntie, can’t you see ’tis plain 
That I was far above the rain ? ” 

When auntie heard that reason given. 
She felt quite sure he’d been in heaven. 

Her love supplied for reason’s lack ; 

No place she thought too good for Jack; 
But mother shook her gentle head. 

And “ He’s no saint,” she softly said. 

And then she cut the flaxen rope 
That leaned against the bucket’s slope, 
And bade that hateful hamper fly 
Where’er it pleased, in upper sky. 

The kites arose in graceful might, 

And bore the hamper out of sight ; 

I know they started for the stars. 

They may have reached the planet Mars. 

If so, perchance, some pleasant day, 

A Martian boy may come this way. 

With Jack’s lost three, and then a kite 
Of lurid color, warm and bright. 


200 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Then telephone to Mars we’ll lay ; 

The sons of earth will shout that day, 
When all the secrets of the skies 
Lie open to our wondering eyes. 

E’en now their signals may be seen, 
With long or shorter pause between ; 
These flashes clear who will may read, 
And send a glad response with speed. 

The Martians owning us for brothers, 
Will gladly spread the news to others ; 
And that good time foretold so long. 
We’ll welcome with a rapturous song. 

When morning stars together sang, 
And heaven with hallelujahs rang. 
They saw, far down the distant ages. 
What I have hinted on these pages. 

That all the stars in stellar space. 

And each bright planet in its place. 
Shall own of brotherhood the bands. 
And stretch to us fraternal hands. 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


201 


THE CHAMPION JUMPER AS A TEACHER. 

DARING rider once bestrode 
Each fiery constellation ; 

And since that day, his fearless deeds 
Fill us with admiration. 

This man, who used his nimble legs 
In leaping through the skies. 

Returned one day to Hoppertown, 

The wisest of the wise. 

Through all the nations of the earth 
His fame spread far and wide ; 

Through Europe, Asia, Africa, 

And in the isles beside. 

Astronomers, from distant lands. 

Came flocking to his door ; 

And kings forsook their thrones, to see 
A man who thus could soar. 

The sparkling gems from other worlds, 

The kings beheld with awe ; 

Such jewels ne’er were found on earth. 

And mortals never saw. 


202 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEIV. 


They poured their treasures at his feet, 
Begging that he would spare 

A few of all these precious stones, 

Upon their crowns to wear. 

“ In vain,” he cried, “ you offer gold, 

I’ve more than all you own ; 

These priceless gems I would not sell. 

To sit upon a throne.” 

Then all th’ astronomers and kings 
Turned gray with wild despair; 

The youngest head among them all 
Was crowned with silvered hair^ 

But, while they sat with gloom oppressed. 
He bent his head in thought. 

Then raised it with a beaming smile, 

A smile with meaning fraught. 

“ ’Tis true,” he said, “ I cannot sell 
These treasures from the skies ; 

But, for your love. I’ll teach you how 
Yourselves to win the prize.” 

“ Count me henceforth your faithful friend ! ” 
Each king of earth replied ; 


S7'0J?/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


203 


“ And we are yours for earth or sky,” 
Each learned savant cried. 

His pupils then they all became ; 

And, as their courage grew. 

He led the way, — they followed fast ; 
He kept his promise true. 

At first, across a river wide. 

And then, across an ocean. 

They leaped as he the secret taught. 
Raising a great .commotion. 

Each day they gathered up their robes. 
And leaped a trifle higher. 

(A trifle was a million rods, 

A trillion would be nigher.) 

Within a week they gained the moon. 
And wandered o’er its mountains ; 
And chatted with the old man there. 
While sitting by its fountains. 

Within a month, their teacher said : 

“ Your legs have grown so supple, 

I think a longer trip we’ll take. 

In one week or a couple.” 


204 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


At length the wished-for day arrived 
When they should scale the skies, 

And for themselves should visit worlds 
No eye on earth descries. 

Their careful training now they proved, 
And well the strain they bore. 

Yet their good teacher, strong and brave. 
Arrived an hour before. 

“ Well done ! ” he cried, “ pray heed it not 
That I should prove the winner ; 

Compose yourselves and rest awhile. 
You’ll be my guests for dinner.” 

Then, seating all his loyal friends 
On Saturn’s glowing ring. 

He bade them listen to the notes 
The gladsome planets sing. 

A mammoth ox, well filled with spice, 
Was browning while they rested ; 

The welcome odour it gave forth 
A toothsome meal suggested. 

From milky way, the comets brought 
All the rich drink they wanted ; 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


205 


While brilliant meteors danced around, 
Like valets all undaunted. 


The ring was wide whereon they sat, 
While, resting firm on Saturn, 

A smaller ring their table served, 

Of most convenient pattern. 



A jollier party ne’er was found 
Than feasted at that table. 

And each the merriest stories told 
Of which such men are able. 


2o6 


STORIES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


Refreshed in mind and body too, 

They viewed the heavens over, 
Grasping with fondest love his hand. 
Whose skill made each a rover. 

These famous men are still abroad ; 

The kings each chose a star ; 

And, quite content a world to rule. 

Wish not their thrones afar. 

Th’ astronomers are happier still ; 

No longer through a glass 
They scrutinise the distant worlds ; — 
Their dreams have come to pass. 

We may not live to see the day. 

But I am sure these sages 
A wondrous book will one day write ; — 
May I but turn its pages. 

In Hoppertown the tale I tell 
Is whispered still at eve ; 

To some it seems an idle dream. 

Others its truth believe. 


STOJ^/ES TRUE AND FANCIES NEW. 


207 


SLEEP, BABY, SLEEP. 

A Lullaby. 

T3 OCKABY baby, thy cradle is strong. 
Mother will sing thee a lullaby song. 

Sweet be thy slumber, peaceful and deep. 

Close thine eyes softly, now sleep, baby, sleep. 

Birds may be rock’d on the maple so high. 

While the winds sing them their sweet lullaby. 

Soft wings will shield and tenderly keep. 

While, like the birdies, my baby will sleep. 

Rockaby baby, thy mother is near ; 

Love will enfold thee, there’s nothing to fear; 

Angels will guard, while slumber will creep 
Over my treasure, then sleep, baby, sleep. 

By the sweet smile that plays over thy face. 
Curving thy lips with an infinite grace. 

Well do I know the angels now keep 

Watch o’er my darling, so sleep, baby, sleep. 


208 


STORIES TREE AND EANCIES NEW. 


LAST WORDS. 

TF dear ones by the fireside, 

Enjoy this rhyme and ask for that, 

I shall not mind if critics say : 

“ ’Tis dog’rel makes this book so fat.” 

But should they move some gentle child 
To write to me a loving letter, 

’Twould touch my heart, and move my pen 
To write some more, I trust far better. 

Though never in my arms I’ve held 
A pet that I could call my own, 

Each precious child is dear to me. 

From poorest cot to richest throne. 

No higher honour would I crave, 

Should Heaven this benediction send. 
That I be known, in future years. 

As simply this : “ The children’s friend.” 


INDEX TO TITLES. 


Adopted Squirrel, The 
Ambitious Brownie . 

Amy Tatchin’ Wobins 
Anecdotes of Toads . 

Autumn Frolic, An . 

Autumn Leaf, The . 

Barberries .... 
Battle of the Robins, The 
Beth Wants a Modern Cow 
Bisque Frog, The 
Bumble-shooting 
Careless Nora . . . ' . 

Cats and Rats .... 

Cats’ Country Seat, The . 

Cat’s Dream of Paradise, The . 
Champion Jumper, The 
Champion Jumper as a Teacher, The 
Charlie and Thistle . 

Charlie’s Target 

Dog with a Conscience, A 

Echoed Song, The . 

Fanny’s True Story . 

Fido’s Fidelity 

Fire-flies ..... 

Four and Twenty Froggies 
Fur and Feathers 
Funny Pet, A . 

Georgie Feeds the Swans 
Georgie’s Sparrows . 


PAGE 

164 

185 

55 

115 

30 

154 

127 

46 

82 

35 

19 

22 

25 

79 

148 

187 

201 

18 

75 

50 

27 

26 

23 

21 

44 

103 

100 

25 

85 


INDEX ro TITLES. 


PACE 

God Made the Toads and Snakes 71 

Golden Rule, The . . . . . . . . . *135 

Harry’s Question . . . . . . . . . .13° 

Hey-Diddle-Diddle . . . . . . . . . .15 

House Where Jack Lived, The ........ 69 

How Dick Found the Cat . . . . . . . >137 

How the Kitten’s Life Was Saved ....... 36 

How We Went Tobogganing . . . . . . . .181 

Jack and Jenny Wren ......... 61 

Jack and Jill . . . . . . . . . . • ^ 57 

Jack and Jill Horner. ......... 35 

Jack and the Beanstalk ......... 87 

Jack Highspy’s Adventures . . . . . . . .189 

Johnny’s Letters .......... 56 

Jewsharp Serenade, The . . . . . . . . .126 

Katy Did . . . . . . . . . . . * . 20 

Katy Did and Katy Didn’t . . . . . . . .121 

Last Words ........... 208 

Lament of the Paper Frog, The . . . . . . . 42 

Latest Incubator, The 64 

Let Those Laugh Who Win . . . . . . . -31 

Little Bohea ........... 84 

Little Bo-peep ........... 41 

Little Wheat-ear .......... 34 

Lucie and the Squirrels ......... 57 

Lullaby ............ 207 

Magic Wheel, The . . . . . . . . . .161 

Man in the Sun, The ......... 59 

My Speech ........... 67 

My Wrens ........... 96 

Mustard and Custard . . . . . . . . *133 

New Bicycle, The . . . . . . . . . .21 

New Teacher, The . . . . . . . . . .17 

Old Ned — 1897 . V . . . . . . . . -177 

Old Ned — 1898 . . . . . . . . . .180 

Old Speckle’s Step-ladder . . . . . . . .114 

Old Woman in a Shoe ......... 53 

Our Cherry-tree . . . . . . . . . .174 

Our Golden Robin .......... 73 

Our Harry ........... 48 


INDEX TO TITLES. 


PAGE 


Our Pony ........ 

. 93 

Our Robin ....... 

142 

Penny Pop Show ...... 

• 33 

Polly Eats Raw Onions ..... 

. . . . 158 

Poor Joe . 

• 57 

Pop Corn ........ 

. 29 

Pussy's Luncheon ...... 

. 41 

Rabbit and the Carrot ..... 

28 

Right Shoe, The ...... 

. 134 

Robin is on the Lawn ..... 

• 59 

Rockaway Butterflies ..... 

• 34 

Sing a Song of Victory ..... 

• 33 

Sitting Bull ....... 

61 

Stingy Old Woman, The ..... 

. 94 

Strange Protector, A ..... 

• 45 

Susie’s Misfortune ...... 

27 

Three Poor Little Mice . . . 

72 

True Story of Mary and Her Lamb . 

. 106 

Tweedle-dum, Tweedle-dee .... 

• 54 

Who is Duncan Dell ?..... 

. 39 

Why That Cycle Wouldn’t Go .... 

. 70 

Why the Name was Chosen .... 

. 123 

Why Old Towser Died ..... 

128 

With Thanks ....... 

■ 35 

Wise Suggestion, A . 

. 68 










INDEX TO FIRST LINES. 


PAGE 

A brood of chickens in the lane ....... 45 

A daring rider once bestrode . . . . . . . .201 

A group of merry children . . . . . . . .164 

All around the barberry bush . . . . . . . .127 

A maple leaf in autumn . . . . . . . . -154 

Ambitious Brownie, foolish bird ....... I85 

A noble oak of kingly size . . . . . . . .142 

An old woman, we’re told, once lived in a shoe ..... 53 

A picnic ! a picnic ! we’ll fly to the park ...... 30 

A robin with a golden breast ........ 73 

As I lay in the parlour before the warm fire . . . . .148 

Beneath a tree with spreading boughs . . . . . -31 

By my side my pet is seated ........ 39 

Cattle of royal rank and blood . . . . . . . .6c 

Charlie grasps the handles . . . . . . . .21 

Charlie strides the donkey’s back . . . . . . .18 

Come, Alice, with your golden hair . . . . . . .106 

Dear little Bohea .......... 84 

Dear little Budge, your pretty gift 35 

Dear little Jill Horner 35 

Dear old Ned, the trump of battie 180 

Dew is heavy on the grass . . . . . . . -55 

Ere spring gave place to summer 61 

Four and twenty froggies 44 

From my window in Granada . . . . . . . -153 

Gliding o’er the placid water ........ 26 

Harry with his youthful auntie 130 

Have you heard of Ned, the war-horse ? 177 

How I grieve to relate the tragical fate 75 

I always had a dog or cat 100 


INDEX TO FIRST LINES. 


PAGE 

I have a little garden-plot ........ 67 

I have some pretty neighbours ........ 96 

I hear you’ve been to Rockaway ....... 34 

I fain would sing, since I’ve the habit ...... 28 

If all the Jacks of history ......... 87 

If dear ones by the fireside ........ 208 

In Canada, where loyal hearts . . . . . . . .181 

In the beginning, so we read . . . . . . . .71 

In the nursery with the children ....... 29 

I wonder not the Arab shields . . . . . . . .161 

Jack and Jill, with right good will . . . . . . .157 

Jack Highspy carried ’neath his crown . . . . . .189 

Just ope the door and throw it wide . . . . . . .27 

Katy did ! Katy did ! Katy did !....... 20 

Little Bo-peep has learned to creep . . . . . . .41 

Little wheat-ear grew so tall ........ 34 

Nellie and Sue were cousins twain . . . . . . -135 

No stairs nor ladder in the barn . . . . . . .114 

Oh, how happy are we . . . . . . . . .21 

Oh, Nora, have you been asleep.? . . . * . . . .22 

Oh, why should we weep for the sky overcast? .... 59 

Old Sol, one day, in merrie mood ....... 64 

Old Towser, honest dog, we kept . . . . . . .128 

Once in a pool, not clear, but cool ....... 42 

Our Harry, weary of his play ........ 48 

Our hero bought a bicycle ........ 70 

Our pussy, bless her pretty face . . . . . ... 36 

Penny pop show ! penny pop show ! . . . . . . -33 

Pony small ........... 93 

Poor little Joe, with signs of woe ....... 57 

President Hill of Harvard fame . . . . . . .115 

Polly, Polly, pretty Polly . . . . . . . . .158 

Pussy stirred the kitchen fire ........ 25 

Rockaby baby, thy cradle is strong ....... 207 

Rosy-cheeked and smiling Johnny ....... 56 

Said Bridget to our little Sue ........ 27 

Said little Mr. Sparrow ......... 85 

Said little Prue . . . . . . . . . .121 

See our brown-eyed little Lucie . . . . . . -57 

Sing a song of victory 33 


INDEX TO FIRST LINES. 


PAGB 

South of Spain, the rock Gibraltar . ...... 23 

That slender tube you hold, my son ....... 68 

The clergymen are gentle folk ........ 50 

The greatest thing in all this world . . . . . . .103 

The man in the moon . . . . . . . . -15 

The man in the sun .......... 59 

This is the house where Jack lived ....... 69 

There was a man in Hoppertown . . . . . . .187 

There was an old woman who lived in a boot ..... 94 

There was a sweet lady, so I have been told . . . . .134 

Three poor little mice were caught in a trice ..... 72 

Ting-tang, ting-tang, ting-tang-tee ! . . . . . . .126 

To village priest a tender babe . . . . . . .123 

Two pretty robins built their nest ....... 46 

We bought a cow, a Jersey cow ....... 82 

We had a dog whose name was Dick . . . . . -137 

We’ve chopped all the wood, and done up the chores ... 54 

What’s that I see in Teddy’s hands? . . . . . -133 

When pussy ate the crackers . . . . . . . .41 

Where are you going, my sweet little man ? ..... 19 

While out tracking a mole ........ 79 

Wild without a blizzard raging . . . . . . . .17 

With my best wishes, Charlie dear . . . . , . .35 

With promise of a bounteous crop . . . . . . .174 








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